Edition 182 · July 2023

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

Vehicle manufacturers, carpark operators and EV Fleet managers across the globe will be closely following the news of the suspected EV induced fire on board the vehicle cargo ship currently raging off the Netherlands. This has put a spotlight on planning, storage and response to EV fires – which require very different approaches to Internal Combustion Engine fires.

The National Public Sector Fleet Managers’ Conference to be held in Melbourne 28-29 November will examine these and other issues critical to transitioning to EV vehicles.

Emma Sutcliffe, Project Director of EV FireSafe will address the latest research and best practices related to this important topic (see www.evfiresafe.com).

Robert Pepper, an independent automotive journalist specialising in 4×4 assessment, training, and in particular the emerging 4WD EV market will focus on EVs as towing and offroad vehicles; how to drive unfamiliar 4x4s and emerging best practice in 4×4 recovery. (see www.l2sfbc.com).

Some 30% of Australia’s vehicle fleet is operated by government agencies. The conference brings Commonwealth, State and Local Government Fleet Managers together with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers of services such as telemetry, EV components and specialised vehicle fit-outs.

Further information on registration and exhibiting: https://www.npsfmc.com/

Austrade is seeking feedback on the Export Market Development Grant funding to ensure the program delivers on increasing the number of new exporters and supporting market diversification, while remaining a sustainable program into the future. Individuals, businesses, agencies, and industry bodies are invited to read the Consultation Paper and contribute suggestions by 11 August 2023.

Further information: https://www.austrade.gov.au/australian/export/export-market-development-grants/strategic-refocus-consultation/strategic-refocus-consultation

The Event Marketing Tasmania Grant, run by Events Tasmania, is designed to cater for both large and small events with two tiers of funding based on intrastate or interstate visitation targets. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how this funding will add value to their existing marketing strategy that is targeted to markets outside of the region in which the event takes place, or outside of Tasmania. Applications close 18 August 2023.

Further information: https://www.eventstasmania.com/grants_and_funding/grant_program/event_marketing_tasmania_grants

Applications are open for the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund which assists Aboriginal commercial fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic tourism-related businesses. The fund aims to support research and education projects across both coastal and inland regions in New South Wales which promote and protect cultural fishing or provide fishing related economic opportunities for Aboriginal people. Applications close 25 August 2023.

Further information: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aboriginal-fishing/AFTF

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation is seeking the most innovative, and disruptive entrepreneurs that offer SMART solutions for Mega events and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) that benefit visitors, organisers, and local communities in a sustainable way. Applications close 1 September 2023.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/startup-competition/mega-events-and-mice-tourism

The new NapCabs at the Frankfurt Airport Terminal 1 are equipped with a comfortable bed, air conditioning, alarm clock, USB charging station, Internet access and other features tailored to the needs of connecting travellers. The soundproofed cabins also ensure a restful sleep or opportunity to work undisturbed.

Further information: https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/services/hotels/napcabs-terminal1.html

Air Canada is partnering with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Canada for its latest in-flight safety video. It offers an enchanting look at onboard safety measures and encourages travellers of all ages to learn about the aircraft’s safety features as well as a number of Walt Disney World Resort popular attractions and experiences.

Further information: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/magic-takes-flight.html#/

SITA and Lufthansa have joined forces to explore ways to reduce mishandled baggage costs and improve the passenger experience by digitally automating baggage for reuniting with its owner. The WorldTracer Auto Reflight solution allows reflighting of misplaced luggage digitally without any human intervention, reducing cost and inconvenience while contributing to towards sustainability and CO2 net-zero targets.

Further information: https://www.sita.aero/pressroom/news-releases/sita-and-lufthansa-automate-bag-reflight-operations-to-reduce-mishandled-bag-costs-and-improve-the-passenger-experience/

The World Travel and Tourism Council, in partnership with ICF, has launched a report entitled ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuels: The Implications and Opportunities for Tourism Destinations.’ It provides a basic introduction to Sustainable Aviation Fuels as well as the benefits and implications for the tourism destinations in demonstrating climate leadership and enhancing local and regional prosperity.

Further information: https://wttc.org/research/insights-publications

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance report which is focused on the five pillars of its global sustainability program which aims to reach net zero cruising by 2050. Sail and Sustain was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and includes short and near-term greenhouse gas targets covering islands and facilities as well as upstream fuel and energy-related activities.

Further information: https://www.ncl.com/au/en/cruise/sail-and-sustain

Brisbane Airport is trialling therapy dogs in the domestic terminal between 11am and 1pm as a way of reducing preflight stress for nervous flyers. The initiative brings canine ambassadors into the terminal to provide a furry support to manage any anxiety. It features Cooper the Labradoodle, Kevin the Sheepadoodle and four puppies in training from Therapy and Support Animals Australia.

Further information: https://newsroom.bne.com.au/paw-fect-preflight-pals-at-bne/

One of the world’s leading multi-brand hospitality groups will double its footprint by 2025, consolidating and expanding its presence in 23 countries. The Banyan Tree Group will deliver 50 new hotel openings bringing the global portfolio to 113 hotels. Founded in 1994 on the core concept of sustainability, Banyan Tree Group is centred on stewardship and wellbeing while offering exceptional, design-led experiences for global travellers.

Further information: https://www.banyantreegroup.com/

IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement with Palau Coral Club to open Hotel Indigo Palau in Micronesia. The 200-room hotel will open late in 2024 on Malakal Island with access to world-class diving and marine life. The Hotel Indigo brand is famous for bringing the ‘neighbourhood story’ of its destination to guests, weaving the location into various aspects of service, design, art and storytelling. There are currently 135 open Hotel Indigo properties around the world, and a development pipeline of 124 hotels.

Further information: https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2023/ihg-hotels-resorts-announces-signing-of-hotel-indigo-in-the-island-paradise-of-palau

Salter Brothers is acquiring five of the Escarpment Group’s collection of luxury boutique hotels and estates in the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley regions of New South Wales including Lilianfels Resort and Spa, The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Echoes Boutique Hotel, Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges and The Convent Hunter Valley. The properties will complement a growing portfolio of luxury assets in Australia’s tourism destinations including the Spicers Retreats and Lodges acquired late in 2022.

Further information: https://salterbrothers.com.au/salter-brothers-acquires-luxury-boutique-hotel-estate-portfolio-in-nsw/

Primož Roglič, Olympic time trial champion, a three-time Vuelta a España winner, and winner of the Giro d’Italia 2023, started his cycling journey in Slovenia. The Slovenian Tourist Board is teaming up with cycling star Primož Roglič and his family to showcase unforgettable family experiences in Slovenia. As an ambassador of Slovenian Tourism, he will explore hidden gems, picturesque landscapes, and thrilling cycling routes in Eastern Slovenia.

Further information: https://www.slovenia.info/en/stories/primoz-roglic

Blue Mountains Tourism, in partnership with Blue Mountains Council, has unveiled a new advertising campaign and revamped website. The Been There Done That campaign targets domestic and international visitors to give them insight into the breadth of visitor experiences the region has to offer including the lesser-known landmarks and hidden local gems. The campaign has been funded through the Federal and State Governments’ Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Further information: https://www.visitbluemountains.com.au/

Quicksilver Dive in Port Douglas has become the first Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Adaptive Service Facility in Queensland and the only one of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef. Opened in 2018, the state-of-the-art diver training centre is now one of only four facilities in Australia to hold this accreditation and has seen significant investment in infrastructure such as a lift, ramps, disabled facilities and wheelchair access to classrooms and the training pool to ensure the needs of divers of all abilities are met.

Further information: https://www.quicksilvergroup.com.au/news.html?id=123

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has endorsed the addition of 18 sites to the Global Geoparks network which brings the total number of geoparks to 195 in 48 countries. The Global Geopark label was created in 2015 to benefit local communities by combining the conservation of their significant geological heritage with public outreach and a sustainable approach to development.

Further information: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-names-18-new-global-geoparks

The Museum of Underwater Art has launched a new ‘Ocean Sentinels’ installation and snorkel trail created by international sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. The eight 2.2 metres tall artworks create an immersive marine science snorkel experience on John Brewer Reef near Townsville. The sculptures modelled off world-leading marine scientist and conservationists have been crafted using a new high grade, low carbon earth friendly concrete reinforced with marine stainless steel.

Further information: https://www.moua.com.au/visit/ocean-sentinels

A new tourist attraction in Longreach has received support under the $10 million Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund to grow tourism and create jobs in Outback Queensland. After more than three decades in service, two ‘silver bullet’ railmotors will now ferry tourists around the Thomson River as part of the new Outback Rail Adventure. Operated by Outback Aussie Tours, the rail tours will start as day trips between Longreach and Darr River including sunset and dinner options.

Further information: https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/news/latest-news/articles/2023/may/silver-bullet

SleepKeeper, an Australian business, has created a water-resistant bag as a perfect option for travellers and their pillow. Simply roll it up and fasten with Velcro and when you arrive at your destination undo the Velcro and a pillow will spring back to its original shape.

Further information: https://sleepkeeper.com.au/

The Fly Green Fund is a non-profit organisation through which private individuals, companies and public organisations can purchase sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the carbon footprint of their air travel. Through Fly Green Fund, passengers can choose to fly carbon neutral or reduce their flights carbon emissions. The fund contributes to Sweden and the Nordic countries driving the development of sustainable aviation fuels which supports large-scale adaptation and reduces aviation’s global climate impact.

Further information: https://flygreenfund.se/en

The GBTA Foundation have released a new benchmarking study that sheds light on the collective best practices and insights leading companies are taking action towards greener corporate travel. The ‘Managing Emissions from Business Travel Programs: Overview of Corporate Best Practices’ report also covers integrating climate considerations into corporate travel policies, measuring travel program emissions, greening the procurement process, and navigating Sustainable Aviation Fuel opportunities toward decarbonising air travel.

Further information: https://gbtafoundation.org/emissions-benchmarking/

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has released a new report highlighting the progress that global tourism has made in measuring greenhouse gas emissions as well as the challenges the sector still faces. The new report ‘Climate Action in the Tourism Sector: An Overview of Methodologies and Tools to Measure Greenhouse Gas Emissions,’ focuses on three areas including accommodation, tour operators and destinations.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/methodologies-and-tools-to-measure-greenhouse-gas-emissions

World Expeditions Travel Group has committed to regenerative travel on all their adventure destinations by 2030. The Australian owned global adventure travel company will integrate regenerative projects across all destinations with the aim to leave a place and its people better than when it was found. All Regenerative 2030 projects are supported with a $5 pledge from World Expeditions for every booking and travellers can also make a tax deductible donation to the project of their choice, and make a tax deductible micro-donation when booking their next adventure online.

Further information: https://worldexpeditions.com/regenerative-travel-projects

The Tourism Cares has created the Meaningful Travel Map, a B2B tool that assists the travel trade and sustainably minded travellers to easily source information on organisations making positive social and environmental impacts in destinations around the world. The interactive global map directly connects travel professionals with vetted and authentic community-led enterprises, products, services, accommodations and tours.

Further information: https://www.tourismcares.org/meaningful-map

The Travel Corporation has released its second annual Global Sustainability Impact Report which tracks progress towards the group’s five-year sustainability strategy (How We Tread Right) and aim to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050. The latest report covers the progress made by the company’s brands against 11 sustainability goals including climate action, sustainable food production, responsible consumption, diversity, equity and inclusion, and animal welfare.

Further information: https://impact.ttc.com/progress/

West Sweden, in partnership with five hospitality companies, is introducing a new concept to offer sustainable experiences and vacations with minimal CO2 emissions. The Climate-Smart Holidays concept aims to show that it is possible to travel sustainably and have an activity-filled and enriching vacation.

Further information: https://www.vastsverige.com/en/travel/climate-smart-holidays/

Tourism Northern Territory has developed a Sustainable Travel Toolkit with practical information, resources and advice to help industry get started, take action and communicate their sustainability progress and achievements.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/system/files/uploads/files/2023/TNTCS-000576%20-%20Sustainable%20Travel%20Toolkit_FINAL.pdf

The New Zealand Government has launched the Better Work Action Plan which is part of the first phase of the 2021 Tourism Industry Transformation Plan that aims to assist tourism in giving back more than it takes from people, communities and the environment. The plan includes the establishment of a Tourism and Hospitality Accord which is a voluntary employer accreditation scheme that identifies those businesses in tourism and hospitality who are good employers helping them attract and retain quality employees.

Further information: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/better-work-plan-strengthen-tourism-workforce

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Hospitality Investor, have released a new paper demonstrating how sustainability practices are being embraced in franchised hotels, especially in the midscale and economy segments and in markets such as India, the Middle East and Türkiye.

Further information: https://hospitalityinsights.tradepub.com/free/w_defa4444/

The International Code for the Protection of Tourists is the first ever legal instrument designed to create an international standard for the protection of tourists in emergency situations and their consumer rights. It aims at restoring consumer confidence by developing and harmonising minimum international standards in emergency situations including but not limited to pandemics and rights of tourists in the post COVID-19 world.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/international-code-for-the-protection-of-tourists

Visit Sunshine Coast, in partnership with Queensland-based Reforest, Tourism Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Council, has launched a new sustainability program which invites visitors and the local tourism industry to contribute towards reducing carbon emissions though local reforestation projects. The Sunshine Coast Sustainability Program allows visitors and tourism businesses to easily calculate and remove carbon emissions through the regeneration of local ecosystems.

Further information: https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com/sunshine-coast-sustainability-program

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is partnering with Tent Partnership for Refugees to encourage the hospitality industry to support the economic integration of displaced people. Both organisations will work together to educate the hospitality sector on how they can help connect refugees with employment and support programs in the industry. To date, the Alliance which represents over 50,000 properties globally has created Hospitality Unite, a hub which hosts hospitality jobs for refugees and displaced people.

Further information: https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/tent-partnership/

Australian Regional Tourism has designed a comprehensive professional development program tailored specifically for anyone in local government or regional tourism and destination organisations. It provides insight into the role of the visitor economy in regional communities and best practice industry planning and development. The online course is delivered via a digital presentation and comprises 12 modules.

Further information: https://regionaltourism.com.au/lgpdp/

The Mastercard Economics Institute has released its annual Travel Industry Trends report which forecasts trends, the pace of business travel recovery and how travellers are spending. It predicts how the global economics landscape is changing and what destinations people will travel to seeking out new experiences as restrictions over the last three years having contributed to high pent-up demand for travel. Asia Pacific travellers are tipped to head to the U.S. and Australia due to the proliferation of low-cost carriers, improved visa policies and an increasing emphasis on adventure travel.

Further information: https://www.mastercardservices.com/en/reports-insights/economics-institute/travel-industry-trends-2023

Tourism New Zealand has conducted qualitative research to investigate the different macro trends and motivational shifts impacting the travel plans of those actively considering a New Zealand holiday. In-depth interviews were conducted across 10 key markets to provide a deeper understanding into the evolving values, attitudes, and behaviours of our target audiences in 2023 and beyond. The information is valuable for tourism operators to help them understand the needs and desires of their customers and grow their businesses.

Further information: https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/assets/insights/intl-research/Intention-to-travel/TNZ-AC-Deep-Dives-Pres-v9-for-external-sharing.pdf

According to new research commissioned by Travelport, customers prefer shopping in every other retailing sector over travel. The study, entitled ‘What Consumers Want,’ identified multiple gaps in the travel retail offering including the lack of simplified experiences, easy support and transparency. The study of 2,000 consumers aged 18 years and over across five countries also showed that consumers want more human-led customer support.

Further information: https://www.travelport.com/what-consumers-want

A survey by Booking.com has found nearly half believe more sustainable travel options are too expensive. The 2023 Sustainable Travel Research Report shows that economic concerns are top of mind for respondents and consideration of climate issues is also increasing. A lack of information and options for sustainable travel also continues to be a barrier for consumers. The online survey was conducted in February 2023 among a sample of 33,228 respondents across 35 countries and territories.

Further information: https://globalnews.booking.com/cost-vs-conscience-bookingcom-delves-into-the-dilemma-dividing-sustainable-travel-in-2023/

The 2023 Annual Industry Snapshot Report has been released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association and shows the sector has recovered from the economic effects of COVID-19 with revenue, trip fill rates, and staffing increasing. The survey was conducted in April 2023 asking tour operator respondents about their business operations and sales, booking expectations, travel trends, and consumer motivations. It provides benchmarks for adventure travel including perspectives on the health, outlook, and characteristics of the sector.

Further information: https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/atta-releases-2023-annual-industry-snapshot-report

The 25th Australian Cruise Association Conference will be held in Wollongong, New South Wales from 30 August – 1 September 2023. The event will focus on the next phase of cruise growth and explore the means to maximise opportunities in the sector including deployments, destination management and sustainability.

Further information: https://www.australiancruiseassociation.com/conference/2023-annual-conference-wollongong

The 8th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain from 5-7 October 2023. The forum aims to promote the exchange of experiences, identify good practices and promote gastronomy tourism in the development of destinations.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/8-unwto-world-forum-gastronomy-tourism

The Australian Regional Tourism Regional Tourism Conference will be held in Newcastle from 10-12 October 2023. Tailored for all sectors of the tourism industry, the event is a forum to exchange ideas about growing sustainable regional destination management and showcasing best practice success.

Further information: https://eventstudio.eventsair.com/art2023/

The Power of Partnership Stewardship Summit will be held in Richmond, Virginia from 15-18 October 2023. The 4-day event represents an opportunity to come together and envision a collaborative, cross-sectoral, and inclusive future for travel and tourism.

Further information: https://powerofpartnershipsummit.com/home