Edition 196 · October 2024

We welcome short stories on innovations, and success stories and stories that reflect the positive things that the tourism industry is doing to ensure that the industry returns and re-builds.

Submit stories to editor@tourforce.com

The Hurtigruten Group has become the first travel brand to secure the Made in Norway trademark. To achieve the brand, a company must adhere to stringent criteria focusing on product excellence and a clear commitment to sustainability. The certification trademark is designed to increase the competitiveness of Norwegian products and solutions around the world.

Further information: https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-au/about-us/our-history/made-in-norway

Since November 2023 more than one million passengers have offset their individual flight-related CO2 emissions and contributed to high-quality climate protection projects by choosing the Lufthansa Green Fares. An average of three percent of passengers have chosen the offer offsetting more than 77,000 tonnes of CO2. The fares are particularly popular on routes such as Hamburg-Munich, Zurich-London, and Frankfurt-Berlin.

Further information: https://www.lufthansa.com/om/en/green-fare

Etihad Airways have unveiled the first-ever Warner Bros. World branded aircraft. The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner features iconic Warner Bros. characters with the Looney Tunes on one side and DC Superheroes on the other. The carrier is also offering gift packs for passengers aged up to 10 years old on longer flights, and a dedicated children’s lounge is opening within the Etihad Airways Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Further information: https://www.etihad.com/en-nz/news/warner-bros-world-yas-island-abu-dhabi-soars-to-new-heights-with-etihad-airways-partnership

Auckland Airport, together with DOC, are celebrating the beautiful walks of Aotearoa New Zealand along the airport’s short walk between terminals, known as the green line. Auckland Airport has partnered with the Department for Conservation to create a new Kiwi great walk as part of the revamped inter-terminal walkway. The airport walkway known as the Green Line highlights 36 different tracks and locations via giant panoramic photos. The new route is approximately 150 metres longer than the former track with undercover rest areas and pōhutukawa trees.

Further information: https://corporate.aucklandairport.co.nz/news/latest-media/news-articles/celebrating-walks-of-new-zealand

The Sustainability Ambassador Program is the latest green initiative from Wizz Air which aims to promote sustainability awareness across its network. The ambassadors will be selected from 15 different bases across the Wizz Airline network and participate in local sustainability projects promoting eco-friendly practices and share valuable insights with colleagues.

Further information: https://wizzair.com/en-gb/information-and-services/about-us/news/2024/07/25/wizz-air-launches-second-term-of-sustainability-ambassador-programme-following-first-term-success

The Star Brisbane at Queen’s Wharf and the Neville Bonner Bridge have opened to the public connecting South Bank to the city’s newest riverside precinct. The $3.6 billion development will transform Brisbane’s skyline and includes 340 luxury hotel rooms, a 3,500 square metre event centre, a sky deck, and a suite of culinary and entertainment offerings.

Further information: https://queenswharfbrisbane.com.au/news/grand-possibilities-await-as-the-star-brisbane-opens-hotel-bookings/

Hyatt Hotels has announced a new alliance with Under Canvas, the leading outdoor luxury resort company in the United States, with 13 locations near iconic national parks such as Acadia, Glacier, Moab, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion. The new alliance allows World of Hyatt members to earn and redeem points at Under Canvas destinations throughout the U.S. This partnership highlights a trend by major hospitality chains to offer 5-star stays in natural surrounds as part of loyalty programs stretching their accommodation options into nature-based travel experiences.

Further information: https://www.undercanvas.com/press-releases/be-more-outdoors-world-of-hyatt-announces-exclusive-alliance-with-under-canvas-the-leader-in-upscale-outdoor-hospitality-adding-more-immersive-experiences-for-guests-and-members/

Bristol has a new accommodation option for aviation enthusiasts located within a decommissioned Boeing 727 aircraft. The aircraft was originally built in 1968 for Japan Airlines before it was refurbished for exclusive dinner parties and overnight stays. The aircraft known as PytchAir still features the original 1980’s private jet interior complete with walnut panelling, gold details and crystal. The fuselage is fitted with two lounges, a king-sized bed, two single beds, three toilets, a shower, full kitchen, and cockpit. Before it was turned into an Airbnb the aircraft was used as a film set and a meeting space.

Further information: https://pytch.co.uk/pytchair-plane-office-bristol-private-jet

The Australian Government has revealed funding and plans for a brand new Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence which aims to foster collaboration among leading marine science institutions including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australian Institute of Marine Science, and James Cook University. The centrepiece of the precinct will be the purpose-built Great Barrier Reef Aquarium with a renewed focus on tropical reef educational, immersive, and sustainable experiences to attract domestic and international visitors.

Further information: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/albanese-government-saves-reef-hq

BMD has been awarded the $87 million contract for the first phase of the Northshore Brisbane Street Renewal Program which will pave the way for the delivery of the Brisbane Athlete Village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The project will include several new roads, enhancements to existing roads, as well as the creation of a sub-tropical boulevard along Macarthur Avenue. Following the Games, the village will be repurposed into a range of housing options and a market with community, recreation, and leisure facilities.

Further information: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101005

Image: Artist impression only. Indicative shade cover in approximately 10 years on MacArthur Avenue.

Tourism New Zealand has launched a new campaign featuring Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique stargazing experiences and world class cuisine to entice potential visitors year-round. The activity supports the new strategy to grow year-round tourism and encourage off-peak visitation from key markets of Australia, the U.S. and China. Campaign activity includes stargazing and cuisine experiences from across the country as well as a comprehensive suite of trade training resources and content on social media and newzealand.com which potential travellers use to plan their trip.

Further information: https://www.newzealand.com/int/campaign/star-grazing/

Tourism Tasmania launched a new initiative encouraging Australians to take a break from their day jobs for a one-of-a-kind experience this winter. The Odd Jobs campaign provided unique volunteer opportunities from walking wombats to organising oysters. Tourism Tasmania also collaborated with 10 tourism operators across the state to cover the travel expenses of offer successful applicants.

Further information: https://www.tourismtasmania.com.au/news/category/tourism-tasmania/unforgettable-winter-experiences-on-offer-in-tasmania/

The Niah National Park’s Caves Complex in Sarawak, Malaysia has just been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has the earliest evidence of human settlement in South-East Asia with remains dating back 40,000 years. There are also primordial paintings within a cave system surrounded by rainforest with the entrance to the caverns considered one of the most spectacular in the world. Local communities still observe an ancient tradition of molong (take only what you need) when harvesting guano and valuable edible bird’s nests from the caves.

Further information: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1014/

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has partnered with Expedia to launch the world-first tourism education initiative for the Great Barrier Reef in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. The Guardian of the Reef platform will connect travellers with eco-certified operators and provide rewards for learning about the Great Barrier Reef. It was developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to help blend science, environmental education, Indigenous wisdom, and sustainable tourism experiences. The project is funded by the Australian Government under the International Tourism Recovery Program.

Further information: https://www.expedia.com.au/see/guardian-of-the-reef

The Aboriginal tourism sector makes a huge contribution to Northern Territory jobs and the economy, and tourism numbers continue to grow. As visitor numbers rise, there is more demand for Aboriginal tourism product and experiences. The Northern Territory Aboriginal Tourism Cultural Tourism Framework provides information to guide the development of Aboriginal cultural tourism in the Northern Territory.

Further information: https://tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/northern-territory-aboriginal-tourism-cultural-tourism-framework

Accor Hotels has expanded its strategic partnership with the Amadeus IT Group by implementing its Central Reservation System to drive more business to its extensive portfolio of properties globally while optimising the cost of distribution. The partnership will provide best-in-class technology capabilities including cloud, connectivity solutions, and an enhanced user experience to build more personalised connections with guests.

Further information: https://amadeus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/accor-amadeus-announce-new-collaboration

The Queensland Government has provided $12 million in funding for the Year of Accessible Tourism including the Accessible Tourism Enablers Grant which supported disability service providers and organisations to develop accessible tools for tourism and event businesses. The free resources are now available online to raise awareness about accessible tourism experiences in Queensland.

Further information: https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/accessible-tourism-enablers-grant

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council, with support from the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, is developing a new set of global standards for sustainable tourism food service providers. Given the growth of gastronomy tourism the new set of criteria will serve as the industry’s global sustainability standards for tourism-related food service providers.

Further information: https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-to-develop-new-criteria-food-service-providers/

The Fiji National Sustainable Tourism Framework 2024 to 2033 is being developed as a successor plan of the Fijian Tourism 2021 strategy. The 10-year framework aims to provide a roadmap to revitalise and enhance the Fijian Tourism industry’s competitive positioning and anticipate any future needs. It provides a blueprint to develop an overarching sustainable vision with the economic and social wellbeing of people, ocean, environment, and culture at its heart.

Further information: https://mcttt.gov.fj/division/tourism/national-sustainable-tourism-framework/

The Municipality of Venice in Italy is looking to increase its tourist entry charge in 2025 after the recent trial scheme had little success in reducing visitor numbers. The access contribution of five euros was applied to 29 of the busiest days in the high season to regulate visitor flows in the historic centre of the lagoon city. The cost of visiting Venice and the number of days affected by the charge in 2025 has not been announced.

Further information: https://cdamedia.veneziaunica.it/en/

Beyond Green, a global portfolio of sustainable hotels, resorts, and lodges, has signed a partnership with andBeyond which will see the addition of 23 new properties as well as new travel itineraries. The partnership aims to align both companies’ commitment to sustainable leadership across the key pillars of nature, culture, and community. To be considered for membership in Beyond Green, a property is vetted according to more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Further information: https://staybeyondgreen.preferredhotelgroup.com/press-center

Passport to Recovery is a Federal Government funded initiative aimed at promoting recovery on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Visitors can participate in a range of citizen science projects while on holiday including collecting data used by scientists to assist conservation outcomes including monitoring koala behaviour or snorkelling on a newly installed native shellfish reef. Flinders University are also conducting surveys with Passport to Recovery participants to better understand the motivations of tourists who participate in citizen science activities.

Further information: https://www.passport2recovery.au/

The Australian Government has released the Aviation White Paper which sets out the vision for aviation towards 2050 and a range of initiatives to ensure a safe, competitive, productive, and sustainable sector. Development of the 56 policy initiatives involved extensive consultation on the Aviation Green Paper with the aviation industry, state and territory governments, and the Australian community. Key initiatives of the paper include the management of Sydney Airport slots, regional airfare costs and reliability, planning for new international air capacity, and establishment of a new independent Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme for Australia.

Further information: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/aviation-white-paper

The 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index has named the U.S. the number one country for development based on safety and security, price competitiveness, air, ground and port infrastructure, natural resources, environmental sustainability, and demand sustainability. Also featuring high on the list was Spain, Japan, France, and Australia. The World Economic Forum index is created in collaboration with the University of Surrey and with input from leading organisations, thought leaders and data partners. It provides a strategic benchmarking tool for business, governments, and international organisations.

Further information: https://www.weforum.org/publications/travel-tourism-development-index-2024/

UN Tourism has launched the Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Observatory in Sligo, Ireland. The observatory aims to collaborate with destinations along the Atlantic coast region to monitor, evaluate, and promote sustainable tourism initiatives and cultural preservation. It is part of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories which monitor the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the destination level.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-joins-launch-of-irelands-first-sustainable-tourism-observatory

The Travel Foundation has released a document to guide Regional Authorities and Destination Management Organisations in the Mediterranean through the process of creating tourism-specific Climate Action Plans. The Blueprint for Tourism Climate Action Plans aims to provide clear and adaptable guidance for Local and Regional Tourism Authorities on how to develop a strategy for acting on climate, inspiring and enabling actions supporting adaptation to changing conditions and the reduction of emissions from tourism.

Further information: https://sustainable-tourism.interreg-euro-med.eu/2024/07/24/the-blueprint-for-tourism-climate-action-plans-is-online/

Since March 2024, over 150 Australian businesses have begun reducing their carbon emissions through participation in the Australian Tourism Industry Council Tourism Emissions Reduction Program. It provides businesses with an emissions estimate and a tailored emissions reduction plan. This national program is supported by the Australian Government through Austrade’s Quality Tourism Framework Grant Program to assist small, medium, and regional tourism businesses to enhance their quality, accessibility, and sustainability.

Further information: https://www.qualitytourismaustralia.com/home/tourism-emissions-reduction-program/

Qantas is working with the Australian Government on a pilot program for a new digital Australia Travel Declaration set to launch later this year for seamless travel between the country and New Zealand. The move is being overseen by the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group which includes representatives from border agencies, airlines, international airports, and tourism. The scheme will be expanded to other airlines as it progresses beyond the pilot stage. The group is also discussing further short and long-term initiatives to enhance the passenger experience for Tasman travellers.

Further information: https://www.abf.gov.au/newsroom-subsite/Pages/Future-of-seamless-trans-Tasman-travel-to-be-piloted-with-a-digital-incoming-passenger-card.aspx

BeCause is partnering with the World Travel and Tourism Council to transform how the global travel and tourism industry manages sustainability data by integrating the Hotel Sustainability Basics framework into its platform. The Danish start-up is a purpose-built AI-powered hub that centralises the sustainability data of a hotel and automates the transmission of that data amongst different stakeholders such as travel and accommodation booking marketplaces and industry certifications. BeCause currently works with over 25,000 hotels, industry partners and online marketplaces.

Further information: https://because.eco/blog/because-partners-with-the-world-travel-tourism-council

The Green Snowflake (Flocon Vert) label is an official certification to gauge the level of sustainable commitment of a ski resort in alpine tourism destinations. Three different tiers are awarded depending on the degree of eco-friendly measures implemented by resorts. It was officially started in 2011 when Mountain Riders joined forces with partner organisations and experts to determine eligibility criteria including governance, local economy, social and cultural issues, and the sustainable use of resources.

Further information: https://www.flocon-vert.org/

Booking.com has updated how it displays sustainable choices to travellers around the world by introducing a label to acknowledge when a property has achieved a third-party certification of sustainability. This approach will continue to be developed in consultation with independent experts the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and UN Tourism to indicate the practices adopted on individual property listings including water, food waste, energy, plastic, and local community. Accommodation partners will also be supported with educational resources such as a handbook on sustainable hospitality and online courses.

Further information: https://news.booking.com/bookingcom–prioritizing-third-party-certifications/

American Express Travel have unveiled their 2024 Trending Destinations: Off the Beaten Path report which identifies some of the world’s most visited places based on travel bookings and travel consultants. This year’s list goes beyond the typical vacation hot spots as Millennial and Gen Z travellers are putting an emphasis on adventure and new experiences. The survey also highlighted an interest in flexible itineraries and last-minute trips that allowed for spontaneous exploration and local cultural experiences.

Further information: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/discover/get-inspired/global-travel-trends

Amadeus recently commissioned research among senior sustainability decision makers to gain insight on how organisations are embedding environmental and social sustainability initiatives across the travel industry. The study highlighted a clear and recognised role for technology to help the industry reach its ambitions including Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality. It surveyed 170 senior sustainability decision-makers at hotels across the U.K., U.S., France, Germany, India, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, and Spain.

Further information: https://amadeus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/travel-companies-increase-esg-investment-2024-technology-important-achieve-goals

A new report by Marriott International has identified the five major emerging trends in luxury travel in the Asia Pacific. The survey captured insights into travel preferences, behaviours, and motivations. The results reveal that Bleisure travel is rising, gastronomy is an important consideration among luxury travellers and wellness travel was growing among younger travellers. A total of 1200 high-net-worth travellers in Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and India were surveyed from April to May 2024.

Further information: https://news.marriott.com/static-assets/component-resources/newscenter/news/2024/07/01/new-luxe-landscapes-report.pdf

The Fifth Aviation Reimagined annual webinar series will be held on the 10, 17 and 24th October 2024. Featuring industry leaders, policymakers and researchers sharing their insights about a transition to a low-carbon and climate ready future for the aviation sector.

Further information: https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-tourism/our-research/aviation-reimagined-2024

The Wellness Summit Crystalbrook Byron from 20-21 October 2024. The two-day event, specifically for businesses in the spa, wellness and wellness tourism space, will see the spa and wellness community share concepts to stimulate growth and how to make the right changes to long-term growth and sustainability.

Further information: https://www.wellnesssummit.com.au/summit2024

The first Mountain Bike Symposium will be held in Merimbula, New South Wales from 25-26 October 2024. It will explore the latest trends and developments in mountain biking including workshops and networking opportunities for trail builders, tourism operators, local government, event organisers, landowners, and mountain bike clubs.

Further information: https://outdoors.kartra.com/page/MTBsymposium