ABBA Museum

The ABBA Museum has opened in Stockholm, Sweden. It is regarded as highly interactive and will give visitors an opportunity to get the ABBA identity using their tickets. In addition, visitors will also get an opportunity to perform on a live holographic stage while wearing projected ABBA costumes.

Further information: http://www.abbathemuseum.com/en/

 

ACCOMMODATION

Pinterest Holidays

Hotel chain Four Seasons has launched ‘Pin.Pack.Go,’ a new trip planning service that leverages the power and popularity of Pinterest. The scheme allows guest to connect and engage with local experts worldwide early in the trip planning process. Those wanting to receive expert advice simply create a board and comment on the company’s original pin. Customers can then begin to fill their board with photographs, food and experiences that represent their perfect holiday.

Further information: http://pinterest.com/fourseasons/pinpackgo/

 

PROTECTED AREAS

Greening Lamington National Park

The Queensland Government is offering to invest up to $750,000 to attract the right operator to establish an ecotourism venture at the World Heritage listed Green Mountains campground in Lamington National Park. An expression of interest process has commenced with suitably experienced individuals and organisations invited to submit their proposals for developing privately owned, low impact, purpose-built ecotourism infrastructure at the site, which includes a three-bedroom house and barracks facility. Submissions close 29 November 2013.

Further information: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/tourism/ecotourism/green-mountains-eoi.html

 

TRANSPORT

Hello Kitty Planes

Taiwan's EVA Air has started to send their Hello Kitty planes on flights to Los Angeles from Taipei. EVA launched the first of its transformed Hello Kitty-themed planes last year to enthusiastic response from passengers and fans worldwide. It now flies five to Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and Guam with everything in and on the plane featuring the white cartoon cat with the red bow including the exterior livery, boarding passes, headrests, utensils, soap dispensers and snacks. Flight attendants also wear Hello Kitty aprons and sell souvenirs.

Further information: http://evakitty.evaair.com/en/


Flying Nannies

Etihad Airways has launched a dedicated in-flight childcare assistance programme for families led by the introduction of a new Flying Nanny on board long haul flights. Identified by a bright orange apron, the Flying Nanny will provide a helping hand to families and unaccompanied minors. Cabin crew have completed enhanced training for the role including a focus on child psychology and sociology.

Further information: http://www.etihad.com/en-au/experience-etihad/family-travel/


POLICY & PLANNING

Global Stage for Australia

The president and chief executive of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) have urged Australian businesses to become more active on the global stage. At present, Australia is one of the least supportive countries of the WTTC, which looks to tackle key issues and raise awareness of the economic value of the industry. The WTTC membership includes more than 100 industry leaders from across the globe and it hopes to stage the 2015 annual global summit in Australia. Tony Charters & Associates has been a support sponsor of the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards for some years and has witnesssed its evolution into the world's prominent tourism awards program.

Further Information: http://www.wttc.org/

 

Caravan and Camping Action Plan

The Western Australian State Government has committed $34.4 million over four years to implement a Caravan and Camping Action Plan from 2013-2018. The plan contains 11 recommendations to improve the supply, delivery and promotion of the caravan and camping sector. It will be implemented by Tourism Western Australia in collaboration with other State agencies, industry and local government.

Further information: http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Publications%20Library/Infrastructure%20and%20Investment/
WA%20Caravan%20and%20Camping%20Action%20Plan%20Summary%202013-2018.pdf

 

DestinationQ Action Plan

The Queensland Government has identified tourism as one of the four pillars of the state's economy and is committed to ensuring Queensland regains its rightful place as Australia’s pre-eminent tourism destination. Part of the focus of this year’s DestinationQ Forum was measuring progress against last year's Action Plan. It then looked out 20 years to assist in the development of a long term strategy for tourism.

Further information: http://www.destq.com.au/

 

Sustainable Holidays Report

TUI Travel one of the largest global leisure travel operators has launched its latest Sustainable Holidays Report. The report tracks progress in the first year of a three-year plan created to drive sustainability best practice across its global brands. The plan comprises 20 challenging and measurable commitments and 'stretch goals' including operating Europe's most fuel-efficient airline, taking 10 million customers on responsible trips and to be considered a leader in sustainable holidays.

Further information: http://www.tuitravelplc.com/sustainability


Holiday Booking Fraud  

Consumers are being warned about the dangers of holiday booking fraud in a joint campaign between ABTA, Get Safe Online, Action Fraud and the City of London Police's National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. The campaign will urge consumers to take important steps to avoid being defrauded including looking for ABTA membership, researching travel companies before they book and using secure payment methods online. New research shows fraudsters are using fake websites, false advertising, bogus phone calls and email scams to con unsuspecting holidaymakers.

Further information: http://abta.com/go-travel


RESEARCH  
Tourism Megatrends

 

The Queensland Government has commissioned CSIRO Futures to conduct a foresight study to identify the ‘megatrends’ that will shape the future of social, economic, environmental, technological or political conditions that will impact tourism in Queensland over the next twenty years. CSIRO Futures leverages evidence-based processes and methodology in combination with world-class science expertise to identify trends that can improve long-term strategy planning.

Further information: http://www.destq.com.au/20-year-plan/megatrends-for-queenslands-tourism-industry


World Tourism Barometer

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation World Tourism Barometer, China has taken over first place as the biggest source of tourism spending in the world. Some 83 million Chinese travellers spent a whopping $102 billion in 2012, largely due to rising disposable income and relaxed restrictions on foreign travel. The World Tourism Barometer is aimed at monitoring the short-term evolution of tourism and providing the sector with relevant and timely information.

Further information: http://mkt.unwto.org/en/barometer


   
Global Travel Intentions Study

 

The Visa Global Travel Intentions Study has revealed that 80% of travellers identified mobile phones as the most essential item followed by cameras, computers and other entertainment devices. While traditional word of mouth reviews from friends, relatives and guidebooks are still used, online resources that offer reviews from frequent travellers as well as currency converters, pictures, booking and discount facilities are becoming the first source of information for most global travellers.

Further information: http://corporate.visa.com/_media/tourism-media-kit/visa-travel-magazine.pdf

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1368526343.1280.1280.JPG


Youth Travel Insights

 

The World Youth Student and Education Travel Confederation has released its 'New Horizon's III' report that saw over 34,000 young travellers from 137 countries taking part. The report reveals the changing nature of the youth travel industry, which is becoming increasingly complex with a greater diversity of demographics and age categories seeing themselves as youth travellers and consuming the products and services traditionally associated with the sector. The report also sheds light on how motivations behind youth travel are evolving with more emphasis on gaining cultural, educational and work experience, as well as improving education and work prospects.

Further information: http://wysetc.org/2013/09/19/new-horizons-iii-the-largest-ever-research-on-youth-and-student-travel/

   

DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY

 

New Chinese Website

 

Tourism Australia has launched a new Chinese consumer website, designed to cater for the way Chinese consumers view the internet, with content specifically tailored to highlight their most preferred Australian travel experiences, as well as full integration with China's most popular social media platforms. The new website includes a dedicated section where well known Chinese celebrities, bloggers and advocates share their own personal experience of Australia, as well as a travel planning tool allowing users to organise their travel ideas and flight and visa information.

Further information: http://www.australia.cn/


PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Wharncliffe Mill

Located just over a kilometre north of Margaret River, Wharncliffe Mill is a family run bush camp located in the Bramley National Park. As part of the Naturebank program run by Tourism Western Australia and the Department of Parks and Wildlife, the site has undergone a redevelopment to become a budget eco-accommodation provider for campers, caravans, budget travellers, backpackers, families and groups.

Further information: http://www.wharncliffemill.com.au/

 


RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Accessible Toolkit

The Victorian Government has released a new resource kit to raise awareness within the tourism industry of the accessible tourism market and to support local operators to become more inclusive. The 'Accessible Tourism: It’s Your Business kit,' was created by Tourism Victoria in partnership with the Office for Disability, Department of Human Services. The kit is the first of its kind for the Victorian tourism industry and will be available at a range of workshops being held for the tourism industry in Victoria over the next several months.

Further information: http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/business-tools-support/accessible-tourism

 


Online Sustainability Tool

The Travel Foundation has developed an online tool to help travel companies take the next step towards sustainability. The 'next step generator' assists industry to keep momentum by discovering the next step in one of five key areas including policy, staff training, environment, supply chain and communications. In each area, there are beginner and advanced levels of action with users able to have their next step emailed for future reference.

Further information: http://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/green_business_tools/next_step


AWARDS

 
Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

 

Entries for the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are now open for 2014. The program will include two new awards and a revision of the existing categories to reflect a greater recognition of sustainability projects within the tourism industry. Next year is the tenth anniversary of the awards with new categories covering improvement and human resources added to the six awards for business, community, destination, environment, people and innovation. Applications close 2 December 2013.

Further information: http://www.wttc.org/tourismfortomorrow/

 
EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference

Ecotourism Australia’s annual Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference will be held from 18-20 November 2013 at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The Conference brings together leading players from across the globe to examine best practice in sustainable tourism, tourism in protected and heritage areas and ecotourism. The focus this year is to develop an action agenda to respond to global megatrends.

Further information: http://www.globaleco.com.au/

 
World Tourism Conference

The World Tourism Conference will be held from 21 to 23 October 2013 in Melaka, Malaysia. The conference is an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders of the tourism industry to discuss the latest developments, megatrends and best practices to mainstream and maximize the potential of tourism.

Further information: http://www.wtc2013malaysia.com/

Image: http://www.gayatravel.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/20130729_175933.jpg

 

 
 
RV Futures Forum - SEGRA 2013, Coffs Harbour

How northern and regional NSW can do more to capture the RV traveller market as it passes though to Queensland each winter, will be part of the discussion at the 2013 RV Futures Forumto be held in conjunction with SEGRA 2013, Coffs Harbour, on Friday 18 October 2013. The Forum is Free-of-Charge, commencing 9.00am and concluding 12.30pm. The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) will host the Forum which will canvass its strategies and aspirations and industry experts will present the latest statistics and trends on the RV travel sector.

To register your interest in attending the Forum, please contact Lucas Walker at lucas@segra.com.au or telephone (07) 3210 0044.

For more information and to register, please go to  http://www.segra.com.au/segra_workshops.html#rvforum

Largest RV Club in the
Southern Hemisphere

Source: http://www.big4.com.au/comecamp/sponsors.aspx

Regional Events Conference

The 5th Annual Regional Events Conference will be held in Townsville on 1-3 November 2013. Presented by Tourism and Events Queensland, the conference will hear from a range of dedicated experts in the tourism and events industry including advisors, consultants and suppliers.

Further information: http://www.eventsqld.com.au/regional-events-conference--teq

World Travel Market

 

The World Travel Market will be held from 4-7 November 2013 in Excel London. It is the leading global event for the industry to meet, negotiate and trade with more than 5,000 suppliers of travel and tourism products.

Further information: http://www.wtmlondon.com


World Responsible Tourism Day

The World Responsible Tourism Day will be held on 6 November is 2013. Since its introduction five years ago, World Responsible Tourism Day, in association with the UNWTO, has captured the hearts and minds of industry professionals everywhere with special events, communications and consumer promotions, demonstrating the industry’s determination to make a real difference.

Further information: http://www.wtmwrtd.com/