Edition 184 · September 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

Local government will be a key driver in the transition to greener fleets across Australia. Some 30% of Australia’s vehicle fleet is operated by government agencies and local government will take an important role in demonstrating to the wider community the practical experiences of transitioning to greener fleets.

The National Public Sector Fleet Managers’ Conference will be staged in Melbourne bringing together Commonwealth, State and Local Government Fleet Managers. They will meet with vehicle manufacturers and suppliers of services such as telemetry, EV components, specialised vehicle fit-outs, safety and training.

The conference is being staged in Melbourne 28 – 29 November 2023, and is an initiative of the Public Sector Fleet Management Business Improvement Group.

For full details and to register: https://www.npsfmc.com/

Choose Chicago has launched a new digital initiative to promote exploration of Chicago’s award-winning craft brewery scene. The Chicago Brew Pass allows locals and visitors to check in and explore over 20 participating breweries across the city. It is part of Choose Chicago’s ongoing marketing efforts to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community.

Further information: https://www.choosechicago.com/brewpass/

Applications are open for the Queensland Destination Events Program which supports events being staged between May 2024 – May 2025. The funding aims to support marketing costs, strategic plan development, engagement of short-term specialised personnel and to hire temporary infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience.  Applications close 5 October 2023.

Further information: https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/what-we-do/queensland-events/queensland-events-funding/destination-event-funding

The Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science is supporting First Nations organisations and tourism businesses to establish new culturally focused ecotourism products or visitor opportunities promoting connection to country within the Queensland section of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Funding is available to tourism experiences in protected areas that are led by First Nations businesses, representative bodies or joint ventures. Applications close 9 October 2023.

Further information: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/management/managed-areas/world-heritage-areas/current/gondwana-rainforests/investing-in-first-nations-cultural-ecotourism

The Western Australian Government is providing up to $1.1 million in funding for smaller and developing regional events across Western Australia as part of the 2024-25 Regional Events Scheme. It will also provide $250,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme to support events that showcase and celebrate activities and experiences through the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people. Applications close 17 October 2023.

Further information: https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/industry-support-and-events/resources-for-event-holders/Funding-for-regional-events/Pages/Regional-Events-Scheme-funding.aspx#/

The SkyTeam has launched a new Carry-on Calculator designed to deliver the most seamless customer journey of any global airline alliance. The online tool allows travellers to check and compare the hand baggage allowances of every airline in their itinerary, basing results on the most restrictive carry-on and personal item allowance for every flight including bag dimensions and maximum weight.

Further information: https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2023/skyteams-carry-on-calculator/

Virgin Australia has launched Australia’s first airline baggage-tracking tool which allows flyers to know where their bag is at every step of a journey. The new tool is available across two-thirds of its domestic network and routes between major airports. The airline has spent more than $400 million on customer experience enhancements and modern technology in the past two years including a new website, app upgrades, loyalty management system, high-speed lounge and onboard Wi-Fi.

Further information: https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/baggage-tracking-faq/

United Airlines Eco-Skies Alliance is an innovative program designed for participating companies to work together to share the cost associated with purchasing lower emission fuels. It is a first-of-its-kind program that provides corporate customers with the opportunity to build transparency and enable certified SAF emission reductions associated with travel of people or goods on United flights.

Further information: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/global-citizenship/environment/ecoskies-alliance.html

Airbus’ Airspace Cabin Vision 2035+ report plans for a future of flying which prioritises sustainability while maintaining superior levels of comfort. The aircraft manufacturer is aiming to provide full transparency on the environmental impact of cabin parts and operations, offer reduced CO2 emission cabin options and establish a framework for cabin end-of-life management and first solutions.

Further information: https://aircraft.airbus.com/en/airspace-cabin-vision-2035

The Krk Tourist Board has created the KrkBike project to develop the tourist economy and branding of the island as an eco-destination. There are currently 80 electric bikes available with over 300 kilometres of bike trails that are networked so bicycles can be rented at one location and returned at another. Rental stations also have a bench for charging laptops, mobile phones, and repairing bicycles.

Further information: https://total-croatia-news.com/news/travel/electric-bikes-on-krk-island/

Australia will host the world’s only Hotel Clicquot, a place where guests can discover the extraordinary world of Veuve Clicquot. Set on the beachfront at Sunshine Beach in Queensland, the luxurious pop-up will welcome guests in October for a three-night stay filled with Clicquot-inspired activities and money-cannot buy experiences ranging from private dinners to picnics on the beach, and champagne sunsets poolside to lazy days cruising the coastline.

Further information: https://hotel-clicquot.veuveclicquot.com.au/

GoKinda is a new Australian-owned hotel booking platform that promotes stylish, conscious stays making it easier for travellers to find and book accommodation that is kinder to people and the planet. It offers a curated collection of hotels selected based on their genuine commitment to style as well as environmental and social impact. Featured hotels cover a variety of brands and price-points from across Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. It also contributes to One Tribe Global rainforest protection project which preserves five trees for every hotel reservation.

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

IHG Hotels and Resorts has launched its annual ‘Stay for Good’ campaign in support of Australia’s leading food rescue charity OzHarvest. This year the initiative has been extended to include the New Zealand-based sister organisation KiwiHarvest, with a goal of donating more than 240,000 meals to people in need across both countries during the month of September. This initiative forms part of the Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan that includes an ambitious goal of improving the lives of 30 million people by 2030.

Further information: https://www.ihg.com/content/gb/en/deals/hotel-offers/au-stay-for-good-2023

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is coming to Los Angeles focusing on the universal art of visual storytelling. Founded by philanthropist and filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, the museum will have expansive galleries, state-of-the-art cinematic theatres, dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, green spaces, restaurants, retail and event spaces. The building designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong is currently under construction in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park.

Further information: https://lucasmuseum.org/

Intrepid Travel has bought the Daintree Ecolodge in Tropical North Queensland for $5 million. Established in 1992, the Daintree Ecolodge encompasses six hectares of pristine wilderness in the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest. This acquisition is in line with the company’s strategy to grow beyond tours by expanding into sustainably led stays including a 50% partnership with CABN an off-grid accommodation firm boasting 27 unique properties throughout South Australia.

Further information: https://karryon.com.au/industry-news/intrepid-expands-luxe-green-stays-with-daintree-ecolodge-acquisition-in-queensland/

Sustainable Meet Stockholm is a collaborative marketing project that aims to unite the tourism industry around a common message and platform to jointly position Stockholm as a sustainable meeting destination. It is a private initiative with partners from the travel industry including hotels, meeting and event venues, attractions, operators, Visit Stockholm, and the city of Stockholm.

Further information: https://sustainablemeetstockholm.com/

The Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe has launched a whitepaper in alignment with the frameworks provided by the European Green Deal and the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative. The report ‘How can National Convention Bureaux Leverage Their Influence for Sustainability?’ showcases a collaborative action plan towards a shift to sustainable business events and the overall transition for sustainability.

Further information: https://convention-europe.com/resources/

The DETOURISM campaign run by the Tourism Department of the City of Venice promotes slow and sustainable tourism, encouraging travellers to go beyond the usual tourist sights, stumble upon unique experiences and see Venice with new eyes. The main message of the campaign is that the best way to discover the true soul of the city and to experience Venice as the Venetians do is getting off the main path and wandering away from the well-trodden tourist routes.

Further information: https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/content/sustainable-venice

The Nordics is a joint sustainable tourism branding initiative co-funded by the European Union under the Nordic Council of Ministers incorporating the countries of Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The countries have come together to encourage sustainable tourism to the region so that travellers can experience these countries with care and preservation and with meaning and purpose.

Further information: http://thenordics.travel/

The Slovenian Tourism Board has launched a new global digital marketing campaign to emphasise Slovenia’s sustainable and green tourism, as well as unique experiences in nature, health and well-being, culture and historical sites, and gastronomy across 21 international markets. The campaign ‘I Feel Slovenia. My Way’ will be supported by advertising on prominent social media networks such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, Snapchat and Spotify.

Further information: https://www.slovenia.info/en/press-centre/press-releases/24947-stb-launches-a-dynamic-global-digital-campaign-and-prominent-online-media-advertising

Tourism and Events Queensland have launched a new 11-episode podcast series as part of activities under the 2023 Year of Accessible Tourism. The ‘Accessed That’ podcast aims to both educate the tourism industry about the specific needs of guests living with disability, while at the same time, inspiring travel without limitation. The podcast can be streamed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts with new episodes released weekly.

Further information: https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/traveller/accessibility/accessed-that-podcast

United Airlines is the first U.S. airline to add Braille markings to aircraft interiors to assist travellers with visual disabilities more easily navigate the cabin independently. It is aiming to outfit its entire mainline fleet by the end of 2026. The airline is also working with the National Federation of the Blind, the American Council of the Blind and other disability advocacy groups to explore the use of tactile navigational aids such as raised letters, numbers and arrows.

Further information: https://www.united.com/en/au/newsroom/announcements/cision-125281

To prevent overcrowding, several national parks in the U.S. have imposed restrictions on the number of visitors allowed each day for the year 2023. Reservation systems have also been introduced across the country to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Visitors are also encouraged to practice responsible and sustainable tourism by adhering to the principles of Leave No Trace, respecting wildlife, proper waste disposal, and following designated trails.

Further information: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm

A new luxury spa and wellness centre has opened on the lakefront in Rotorua. The Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is designed to provide Intimate wellness experiences founded on te ao Māori principles, practices and culture. It will include 18 pools, saunas, mud spas, and plunge pools. The development is the result of a $62 million investment by local iwi, Ngāti Whakaue, and New Zealand Government. It will be managed by Australian-based company, Belgravia Leisure.

Further information: https://www.wai-ariki.co.nz/

TreadRight has partnered with the Venice in Peril fund to commission a comprehensive report by Venetian scientific experts on the underlying problems at the monument to Canova in Venice’s Bacilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church which was becoming degraded due to damp and changing climatic variables such as increased tourists. The project which was supported by the UNESCO and Cambridge University also explored methods in which the city could encourage a more sustainable tourism industry.

Further information: https://www.treadright.org/projects/venice-in-peril/

Fifteen leading tourism and hospitality businesses from Waiheke Island and Aotea Great Barrier Island have completed the Taurikura Initiative, a capability building program designed to support visitor economy businesses to accelerate their sustainability journey. It offers personalised one-on-one support, collaborative workshops, community building and assistance in the creation of sustainability action plans. The program is delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited in partnership with Tourism Industry Aotearoa.

Further information: https://aucklandunlimited.com/

The Cairns Aquarium has partnered with the Great Barrier Reef Legacy to open the world’s first living coral biobank. The biobank is a conservation program which houses specimens of all 400 species of hard coral from the Great Barrier Reef. The aquarium will also provide guided tours for the public to see the live coral collection.

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

The world’s first Adventure Booking Platform has released its Climate Action Plan which aims to bring the industry together to work collaboratively on solutions to the challenges of the climate crisis, and to raise awareness about sustainable travel in the adventure category. With more than 50,000 organised tours in over 160 countries, TourRadar also intends to showcase how tour operators incorporate sustainability into their itineraries, as well as develop an impact measurement tool to simplify carbon measurement and reporting.

Further information: https://www.tourradar.com/pr/tourradar-publishes-climate-action-plan

The Australian Government has released the Aviation Green Paper as the next step towards reforming Australia’s aviation sector. The aim is to deliver a more competitive aviation sector, secure Australian jobs, develop stronger consumer protections, improve accessibility and transition the industry to net zero emissions. Community consultation and industry feedback will contribute to the development of the Aviation White Paper which will set the policy direction out to 2050. Submissions close 30 November 2023.

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

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation, with the support of the United Nations Statistics Division, has launched the ‘Towards a Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism.’ The initiative aims to develop an internationally agreed statistical framework for measuring the impacts and dependencies of tourism on the economy, society and the environment.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/tourism-statistics/measuring-sustainability-tourism

The European Travel Commission, with the support of the Travel Foundation, have launched a climate action plan to promote the urgency of a green transition in tourism, boost cooperation among tourism stakeholders and accelerate climate actions at a global level. It aims to halve operational emissions by 2030 by supporting engagement among National Tourism Organisations, and tourism stakeholders in Europe.

Further information: https://etc-corporate.org/news/european-travel-commission-launches-climate-action-plan/

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has launched a report to identify the main challenges and opportunities of tourism as a driver for rural development. The Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective report highlights how tourism has the potential to stimulate economic growth and social change in rural areas because it contributes to local economies, supports other products value chains, distributes benefits across both seasonal and geographic grounds, and promotes the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Further information: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/10.18111/9789284424306

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has refreshed the Queensland Cycling Strategy and Action Plan which provides opportunities for nature-based tourism growth in Queensland. The 10-year strategy sets the direction for cycling in Queensland over the next 10 years and includes a two-year action plan and report on the state of cycling in Queensland.

Further information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/cyclingstrategy

The Tourism Industry Council South Australia has released the first edition of their Careers in Tourism: South Australian Guide. The guide was developed to show the broad range of careers available in tourism for young people and all interested in working in tourism.

Further information: https://ticsa.com.au/careers-in-tourism-guide/

Tourism Western Australia has launched a new campaign that seeks to connect mature-age workers to vacant jobs in the state’s tourism and hospitality sector. The campaign is an initiative of the Tourism Workforce Development Program which highlights the flexible hours, work bonus and training opportunities available to mature-age workers who remain in (or return to) the workforce. A dedicated website also highlights the Commonwealth and State Government incentives and support available.

Further information: https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/About-us/Working-in-tourism/Pages/Work-in-tourism.aspx#/

According to SITA’s 2023 Baggage IT Insights, the number of mishandled bags has almost doubled due to global baggage handling shortages and busy airports. The most mishandled bags being those bound for transfer flights, followed by unloaded and incorrectly loaded luggage during peak travel periods. Airlines and airports are now focusing on technology investments in digitalisation to deliver greater automation and self-service including live luggage tracking allowing passengers to follow the progress of their baggage from check-in to inflight and arrival in-destination.

Further information: https://www.sita.aero/resources/surveys-reports/baggage-it-insights-2023/

The World Travel and Tourism Council, in collaboration with the Bicester Collection and School of Hotel and Tourism Management, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has released new research highlighting the key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the retail tourism sector. The Global Retail Tourism – Trends and Insights report explores why people shop when they travel, their retail habits, the big trends in retail tourism, and the problems and opportunities the sector faces.

Further information: https://wttc.org/news-article/presenting-global-retail-tourism-trends-and-insights

The Cruise Lines International Association has released the State of the Cruise Industry Report which shows of the 31.5 million passengers expected to be sailing GenX and Millennials are the most enthusiastic about planning a voyage. Younger travellers are also using travel advisors to book cruises at a higher rate than other generations. Cruise lines are also using technology, infrastructure and operations to decarbonise with multiple pilot projects underway including testing new propulsion technologies.

Further information: https://cruising.org/en/news-and-research/research/2023/march/2023-state-of-the-cruise-industry-report

A new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council provides an insight into how travel and tourism is growing and changing, as well as providing forecasts for the next decade. The World Economic Impact Report on Travel breaks down the economic contributions of the world’s major tourism markets and reveals the top 10 economies in terms of GDP contribution are the U.S., China, Germany, Britain, Japan, France, Mexico, Italy, India and Spain. It also includes figures on travel and tourism’s contribution to the labour market.

Further information: https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/world-economic-impact-report-2023

Tourism Research Australia has published the annual State of the Industry Report which presents a snapshot of Australia’s visitor economy in 2022. It presents evidence and insights on developments in the visitor economy which can assist industry and government understand and adapt to the changing demand and supply environment. Data from several sources are used including contributions from research partners.

Further information: https://www.tra.gov.au/economic-analysis/state-of-the-industry/state-of-the-industry

New research from Contiki reveals that young Australian Zillennials are no longer seeking Instagram-worthy travel moments, instead they want real, raw, and surprising travel experiences. The survey of 1,200 respondents aged 18 to 34 years old found young travellers are preferring the authentic over airbrushed and want to make memories in the moment without the social ‘gram pressure’ to be perfect.

Further information: https://www.contiki.com/en-au/activity/make-every-moment-count/au-survey

The New South Wales Visitor Economy Forum – Building Momentum to 2030 will be held at the ICC Sydney on 5 October 2023. Delegates will hear about the trends, priorities and programs to drive the visitor economy over the coming 12 months.

Further information: https://au.registration.entegy.events/vef30-delegate

The Adventure Together hybrid event will be held virtually and at the Palais Wertheim in Vienna, Austria from 18-19 October 2023. The event will include inspirational speakers from travel and technology, as well as symposiums about AI, sustainability, business growth and HR.

Further information: https://www.tourradar.com/mlp/adventure-together-home

The World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit will be held in Kigali, Rwanda from 1-3 November 2023. This event will bring together industry leaders to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Further information: https://wttc.org/global-summit-2023-rwanda

The Australia and New Zealand Adventure Tourism Conference will be held on the Gold Coast on 9 November 2023. The conference includes presentations designed to inspire and inform industry on the latest tech solutions and initiatives for a sustainable future.

Further information: https://www.adventuretourismawards.com.au/about-the-conference/