Edition 198 · December 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

After two weeks of intense negotiations on how to tackle land degradation, desertification and drought, the largest and most inclusive United Nations land conference wrapped up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The nearly 200 countries convening at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) committed to prioritise land restoration and drought resilience in national policies and international cooperation as an essential strategy for food security and climate adaptation. More than $12 billion USD were pledged to tackle desertification, land degradation and drought around the world, especially in the most vulnerable countries.

COP16 was the largest and most inclusive UNCCD COP to date: it attracted more than 20,000 participants, around 3,500 of them from civil society, and featured more than 600 events as part of the first Action Agenda to involve non-state actors in the work of the Convention.

Further Information: https://www.unccd.int/news-stories/press-releases/united-nations-conference-riyadh-charts-path-global-action-land-drought

Round 30 of the Queensland Destination Events Program is open to eligible events taking place between September 2025 and September 2026. Event organisers can use the funding towards marketing costs, strategic plan development, hiring short-term specialised personnel, and temporary infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience. Applications close 28 January 2025.

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

Round three of the New South Wales Government’s destination charging grants program are now open offering a further $12 million in funding to fill Electric Vehicle charging gaps along established regional road trip routes. Charge point operators can apply for co-funding towards the installation of 24Kw-100Kw DC chargers in eligible zones along these routes. Applications are open until 31 January 2025.

Further information: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-destination

Delta Air Lines has introduced an accessible flight map for use by flyers with visual impairment. The feature is available onboard 171 aircraft and will be enabled on more than 600 planes before the end of the year. It offers flyers streamlined information with fewer cities and geographical features than the standard map. It also has larger fonts and icons, and uses a high-contrast, simple colour palette for easier visibility.

Further information: https://news.delta.com/delta-launches-new-flight-map-designed-accessibility

Hurtigruten Expeditions and Heriot-Watt University have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to work together on the Whales and Arctic Vessels Project which aims to promote global awareness of Arctic whale species, while gathering critical data to inform and support evidence-based management strategies. The collaboration will see the two organisations jointly publish findings, delivering impact reports and scientific results that will further the understanding of the pressures on Arctic whale populations and contribute to global conservation efforts.

Further information: https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/2024/arctic-whales-research-collaboration-is-signed-by-heriot-watt-and-hx-hurtigruten-expeditions

Melbourne Airport is partnering with Travellers Aid to trial a new service aimed at improving the airport experience for passengers with limited mobility. The four Mobility Hubs will help travellers with visible and non-visible disabilities navigate between the airport’s car parks, check-in areas, baggage halls, and passenger pick-up and drop-off zones. The Airport Assist pilot service is the first of its kind in Australia and is designed to address the barriers faced by some travellers as they navigate the airport precinct and will complement existing airline services.

Further information: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/onsite-mobility-hubs

The first five-star resort in Noosa in more than 30 years has been approved for development by Calile Malouf Investments the owners of The Calile Hotel in Brisbane. The Calile Noosa will feature 153 rooms, 29 suites, and four villas across four storeys with basement carparking, a 50-metre main swimming pool, a wellness centre, and a roof top vegetable garden. Designed by renowned architects Richards & Spence works are expected to begin on the 2.4- hectare site at Noosa Heads in early 2025.

Further information: https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2024/10/14/regions-first-five-star-resort-in-decades-approved/

Image source: Richards & Spence

From January 2025 all hotels in New York State with 50 rooms or more will be prohibited from stocking mini toiletries according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. Properties with less than 50 rooms will follow suit from January 2026 with fines in place for properties who break this rule. Last year, a similar law took effect in California to ban tiny toiletry bottles from the state’s hotels.

Further information: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/businesses

The Tasmanian Walking Company has announced the world’s first five-day guided walk inside the World-Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Developed in consultation with Anangu Traditional Owners, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management and Parks Australia the all-inclusive 54 kilometre experience will see small groups of up to 14 learning about ancient Anangu culture and history, connecting with nature, and staying in sustainable accommodation. The walk will commence operations in April 2026. from Kata Tjuṯa to Ulur̲u.

Further information: https://www.taswalkingco.com.au/uluru-kata-tjuta/

The German National Tourist Board has launched an innovative travel influencer project using artificial intelligence to promote Germany as a travel destination on an international scale. Project Emma is an interactive brand ambassador who speaks 20 languages and aims to virtually inspire potential travellers to visit Germany. Emma’s persona is a modern, cosmopolitan Berlin resident in her mid-30s that has an affinity for technology and travel. The project was developed in collaboration with the agency Startup Creator using the latest innovative technology.

Further information: https://www.germany.travel/en/newsroom/newsroom-detail.html?id=3349208

A new Palm Island Tourism Master Plan lays out a strategic framework for how Indigenous-led tourism can create a thriving tourism industry filled with authentic First Nations experiences in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It outlines plans for new walking trails, luxurious eco-cabins, horse riding over reef flats at low tide, and marine tourism on the tropical network of islands off Townsville.

Further information: https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/news/latest/2024/palm-islands-big-dreams-could-become-reality-with-tourism-master-plan

A new tourism report from Tourism Research Australia provides insights on international and domestic tourism in Australia involving First Nations activities over the last 10 years. The report also highlights that 2023-24 was a record year for First Nations tourism with three million trips in Australia incorporating a First Nations experience. The data was drawn from the International Visitor Survey and National Visitor Survey, with data on interest in First Nations experiences provided by Tourism Australia.

Further information: https://www.tra.gov.au/en/economic-analysis/first-nations-tourism-statistics

Australia’s first indoor snow resort dubbed the giant Esky is a step closer with confirmation Hammons Holdings will run operations based on their experience with Sydney Bridge Climb and Scenic World. Located within the Riverlink Tourism Precinct near Penrith in Sydney, the A$500 million Winter Sports World will include an advanced open run for experienced skiers and snowboarders, learn-to-ski and winter wonderland snow play area. It will also include a competition and training venue for snow sports, a 170-room hotel, conference and function rooms and restaurant. Construction is expected to start in 2025.

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

UN Tourism, ONCE Foundation and UNE in collaboration with European Network for Accessible Tourism, Sage Travelling and Impulsa Igualdad have released Accessible Tourism for All which provides a set of recommendations for tour operators, travel agencies and travel agents to implement ISO Standard 21902. Companies and professionals can use the guidelines to implement criteria if they operate accessible tourism experiences from within a physical space, online, or via both channels.

Further information: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284425860

One of the largest immersive events to be staged in Australia has officially opened in Brisbane, Australia. Bluey’s World at the custom-built Northshore Pavilion offers a unique guided experience for children, adults and families with innovative set designs, interactive games, and activities. It has been carefully curated to mirror the spirit of the series, encouraging creative play and connection. Bluey’s World is produced by BBC Studios and HVK World and is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

Further information: https://beda.brisbane.qld.au/news-and-events/blueys-world-opens-in-brisbane

The Isaac Tourism Trails project aims to shift the perception of the Isaac region from being solely mining-focused to a leisure tourism destination. Commissioned by the Isaac Regional Council and Mackay Isaac Tourism, the project involved extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders and site visits to key locations and attractions throughout the Isaac region.

Further information: https://speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au/isaac-tourism-trails-strategy

A new report developed by Mabrian, in collaboration with Phocuswright, discusses how destinations can address overtourism including the distribution of tourist spend. The Roadmap to Move Destinations Away from Overtourism report highlights the need for innovative analysis and planning in broader sustainable destination management. The report uses data intelligence studies to explore how various dimensions of sustainability translate into useful indicators for destination planning.

Further information: https://mabrian.com/blog/seven-steps-for-a-roadmap-to-move-destinations-away-from-overtourism/

Intrepid Travel’s first book is a collection of more than 100 unique and enthralling travel experiences from around the globe. The Intrepid List: 100 Uncommon Ways to Change the Way you Travel will inspire readers to discover new destinations and learn from locals who can help discover the authentic, the eccentric, the rare and the astonishing. A portion of sales will be donated directly to the not-for-profit Intrepid Foundation.

Further information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/newsroom/releases/the-intrepid-list-hits-the-shelves

Griffith University has collaborated with WISE Sustainability to develop a new resource aimed at helping accommodation providers embrace technology to drive behaviour change and operate more sustainably. The Greening Hotels Brochure includes tips for accommodation operators wanting to learn how to save on water, energy use and associated costs by using smart technology and other techniques.

Further information: https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/2034633/V3_Brochure-Greening-Hotels-tool.pdf

Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider for the global travel industry, has released its 2024 Sustainability Report. The report outlines the company’s progress and commitment to sustainability and introduces its new Travel Positive strategy focused on People, Planet, and Prosperity. It also highlights key partnerships including its participation in the Travalyst coalition a non-profit organisation working to make sustainability information more universally available to travellers at the time of booking.

Further information: https://www.sabre.com/insights/releases/sabre-releases-2024-sustainability-report-introducing-new-travel-positive-strategy/

Tourism and Events Queensland has launched a new Tourism Marketing Strategy 2032. The Discover Queensland strategy aims to make Queensland Australia’s premier destination for multi-destination drive holidays, highlighting its diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities. The strategy focuses on elevating iconic experiences, developing consumer-aligned itineraries, and growing overnight visitor expenditure from key international markets.

Further information: https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/who-we-are/strategic-plans

Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date and status as a world-leading events destination. Scotland first developed a national approach to events in 2008 and the refreshed strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage, aims to provide a strategic focus for all those involved in planning, securing, supporting, and delivering events of all sizes in Scotland.

Further information: https://www.visitscotland.org/about-us/what-we-do/events

The latest research from the U.S. Travel Association offers a look into 2023-2024 state tourism budgets. State tourism offices in all 50 states and U.S. territories drive travel’s growth, which generates tax revenue and creates jobs through domestic and international visitor spending. The report provides a top-line overview of total funding, marketing and promotion budgets, staffing, other revenues, and funding sources including year-over-year changes.

Further information: https://www.ustravel.org/research/state-tourism-office-budget-dashboard

Tourism Australia has undertaken a research project, in partnership with Deloitte, to unpack the post-pandemic complexities of tourism distribution. The Future of Distribution report provides high level insights to support tourism operators and the Australian tourism industry in responding to the rapidly evolving consumer dynamics and the global travel distribution landscape.

Further information: https://www.tourism.australia.com/en/insights/consumer-research/future-of-distribution.html

UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to advance one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism on a global scale. The partnership aims to advance sustainable practices and raise awareness about the positive impact of sports tourism on destinations.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-and-fia-reinforce-partnership-to-advance-sustainable-sports-tourism

The World Travel Market has partnered with Tourism Economics part of Oxford Economics to provide a comprehensive overview of the global trends which shaped the travel landscape during 2024 and what could be around the corner in 2025 and beyond. The World Travel Market Global Travel Report uses an expansive databank covering more than 185 countries worldwide, as well as unique industry insights. The report also identifies key opportunities and unpacks trends to help capitalise on travel’s increasing share of wallet.

Further information: https://hub.wtm.com/press/wtm-london-press-releases/wtm-global-travel-report-hunger-for-adventure-drives-innovation-in-travel/

A new report from The Travel Foundation explores what Destination Management Organisations and National Tourism Organisations can do to better serve their communities by creating a more balanced and equitable tourism model. It highlights 40 methods tourism organisations can use to distribute tourism’s benefits more widely across local communities. It also contains 25 case studies where tourism has contributed to local entrepreneurship, improved community wellbeing, and other positive outcomes.

Further information: https://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/equitable/

The Adventure Travel Trade Association, Cycle Summit, and the European Cyclists’ Federation-EuroVelo launched an independent survey to learn what destinations and tour operators can do to respond to the increasing popularity of all types of cycling around the world. Findings from the new report State of the Cycling Tour Operators Industry 2024: In Europe and Beyond underscore the rapid integration of e-bikes into the cycling tour industry. The varying rates of e-bike usage across regions reflect differences in infrastructure, consumer preferences, and market maturity in the global cycling tourism sector.

Further information: https://learn.adventuretravel.biz/research/state-of-the-cycling-tour-operators-industry-in-europe-and-beyond-2024

The Travel Foundation has been working with over 30 destination management organisations around the world to pilot a new Destination Climate Champions training course. The course, developed in partnership with Expedia Group, provides participants with the A to Z of climate action planning, as well as access to a network of organisations around the world to share solutions. The aim is to equip destinations with climate literacy and empower them to lead positive change. Destinations that took part in the pilot were from Europe, North America, and New Zealand.

Further information: https://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/campaign/destination-climate-champions/

With 30 years of experience, Preferred by Nature is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable land management and responsible business practices. They provide certification, consulting, and advisory services to help businesses and organisations enhance their environmental sustainability. The Preferred by Nature Standard for Sustainable Travel Activities offers a comprehensive framework to encourage and guide travel organisations in adopting sustainable management practices by preserving the biodiversity and ecosystems of travel destinations.

Further information: https://www.preferredbynature.org/

Ecotourism Australia has been recognised by Travalyst, a global initiative dedicated to providing sustainability information that helps travellers make more informed and responsible choices. The ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certifications will join 49 other organisations worldwide that have been included in the list of compliant sustainability certifications for accommodation providers. Travalyst partners with Booking.com, Amadeus, Expedia Group, Google, Mastercard, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group and Visa to integrate sustainability information into mainstream platforms.

Further information: https://ecotourism.org.au/recognised-by-travalyst-for-leadership-in-sustainable-tourism/

Image: The Johnson Brisbane – Art Series Pool

UN Tourism has announced the winners of the Best Tourism Villages which saw 55 villages selected out of over 260 applications from around the world. The accolade recognises rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities while preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. It was launched in 2021 as part of the UN Tourism for Rural Development Program which works to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, encourage sustainable practices, and advance innovation through tourism.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-announces-best-tourism-villages-2024-55-rural-communities-shaping-the-future-of-sustainable-travel

A new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council highlights the economic recovery of the travel and tourism sector globally and regionally in 2023. The report discusses emerging themes in the sector and ranks economies based on various indicators. It also provides a forecast for the decade ahead, as well as opportunities and challenges.

Further information: https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/economic-impact-report-global-trends

The latest Business Travel Index Outlook published by the Global Business Travel Association and supported by Visa is an annual forecast of business travel spending and growth covering 72 countries and 44 industries. It also includes survey data and analysis this year from 4,100 business travellers across five global regions, representing insights from employee travellers regarding their business travel preferences, behaviours, and spending.

Further information: https://www.gbta.org/global-business-travel-industry-spending-expected-to-hit-record-1-48-trillion-in-2024/

A new report produced by McKinsey and Skift examines the world of travel experiences including stadium rock concerts, guided nature hikes, and in-home culinary gatherings. The Evolving Role of Experiences in Travel report offers an assessment of the experience industry and presents ideas that could help address current issues and provide future opportunities for various players to capitalise on as interest grows.

Further information: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/the-evolving-role-of-experiences-in-travel

A new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, in collaboration with VFS Global, has revealed the Oceania regions full economic, environmental, and social impact and to what extent the sector has recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels. The report, Unlocking Opportunities for Travel and Tourism Growth in Oceania, outlines the potential of the sector if strategic investments are made including expanding airports across the region, streamlining visa facilitation and developing renewable energy sources for eco-friendly infrastructure.

Further information: https://wttc.org/news-article/oceanias-travel-and-tourism-sector-could-boost-regions-economy-by-usd112bn-over-the-next-decade

The latest Hilton Trends Report 2025 explores the impactful trends, people and conversations shaping travel and driving innovation across the industry. Next year has been tipped to be the year of the travel maximiser where people look to combine relaxing getaways with high-impact adventures to maximise their time and financial investment. The report which was conducted in June 2024 involved 13,000 travellers aged 18+ who plan to travel in the next 12 months from across 13 countries including Australia, Brazil, mainland China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

Further information: https://stories.hilton.com/2025trends

The latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer published today by the European Travel Commission and Eurail BV explores the sentiment, preferences motivations, and barriers for travellers regarding long-haul travel to and within Europe. The report provides forward-looking information about short-term travel trends among potential travellers from Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.

Further information: https://etc-corporate.org/news/international-travellers-eye-europe-for-cultural-immersion-but-cost-remains-a-key-barrier/

The cruise tourism in Australia has hit a record high generating A$8.43 billion for the national economy during 2023-24 due to significant increases in passenger spending and cruise line outlays around the country. The Value of Cruise Tourism Economic Impact Assessment for Australia was prepared by AEC Group on behalf of Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association.

Further information: https://www.cruising.org.au/ccms.r?Pageid=6022&tenid=CLIA&DispMode=goto|10638

The Impact Sustainability Travel and Tourism Summit will be held in Victoria, British Columbia from 27-29 January 2025. This annual conference brings together Destination Management Organisations, tourism operators, Government, Indigenous leaders, and academia to discuss industry challenges and changes in the sustainable tourism space.

Further information: https://impactnational.ca/