Edition 205 · July 2025

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

Global Citizen Solutions has revealed the Global Passport Index which sees Sweden top the list. The Global Passport Index measures the number of countries a passport facilitates visa-free access, ease of doing business, quality of life, and investment opportunities. Germany and Finland come in second and third, with Switzerland and the Netherlands rounding out the top five.

Further information: https://www.globalcitizensolutions.com/passport-index/

The Travel Elevates Global Impact Grant Program supports community projects worldwide that focus on the three pillars of education, technology, and business empowerment. Since 2019, Travel Elevates has awarded 20 grants worth $1.5 million to non-profit organisations connected or affiliated with the travel industry. Travel Elevates is the philanthropic arm of Signature Travel Network and the 2026 grant process closes 1 October 2025.

Further information: https://www.travelelevates.org/grant

Air New Zealand has announced over 100 projects spanning a wide range of locations and communities will receive funding from the airline’s Climate and Nature Fund. The Every Corner Project aims to support nature-based initiatives across New Zealand with more than 640 applications received from registered charities, schools/kura and hapū. Projects selected include native planting, wetland restoration, establishing rainwater harvesting systems, building community compost hubs, and installing predator control networks to protect threatened plant and animal species.

Further information: https://www.airnewzealandnewsroom.com/press-release-2025-every-corner-counts-air-new-zealand-invests-1-2-million-to-support-over-100-community-nature-projects

The International Air Transport Association is helping to increase the adoption of contactless travel solutions for both airports and airlines. The Contactless Travel Directory uses interoperable biometric solutions to enable travellers to move through the travel process without relying on paper documentation such as passports or boarding passes. It makes it easier for airlines to expand biometric service opportunities for their customers including bag drop, lounge access, security access, security screening, and boarding.

Further information: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-releases/2025-04-07-01/

A French space balloon startup company is offering low-carbon journeys to the stratosphere aboard Céleste a pressurized capsule that will reach 25 kilometres above Earth. Founded by aerospace engineer Vincent Farret d’Astiès, Zephalto has partnered with the French space agency to redefine the environmental travel standards for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This six-hour flight for six guests will provide an opportunity to observe the curvature of the Earth and experience the phenomenon of the overview effect while immersed in the darkness of space beyond all light pollution.

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

Air New Zealand has unveiled its first new uniform in over a decade which blends high fashion with cultural storytelling. The collection, designed by New Zealand-born Emilia Wickstead, features bespoke hand-drawn patterns by renowned tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana. The new collection has also incorporated recycled and organic materials with a focus on reducing environmental impact. The full rollout is planned across the airline’s global network in 2026.

Further information: https://www.airnewzealand.com.au/our-uniforms

A luxury eco-hut in the Riverina Highlands has been officially recognised as Australia’s first DarkSky Approved Lodging by DarkSky International which raises awareness of protecting the night skies for future generations. Kestrel Nest EcoHut is also expanding its offerings through guided stargazing experiences, workshops, educational resources, and collaborations with local First Nations communities to explore Wiradjuri cultural perspectives of the night sky, including the Dark Emu and the Seven Sisters.

Further information: https://darksky.org/news/kestrel-nest-ecohut-becomes-first-international-darksky-approved-lodge-in-australia/

Intrepid Travel is expanding their global accommodation footprint with new acquisitions in Tasmania and Morocco. The company plans to own 20 properties worldwide in the next three years as part of a strategy to create a portfolio of boutique accommodation experiences. These properties which can be booked independent of Intrepid tours will be responsibly operated and designed to give customers an experience while giving back to the community. These new properties join the existing Daintree Ecolodge in Tropical North Queensland and a hotel in Hoi An in Vietnam.

Further information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/newsroom/releases/intrepid-launches-global-accommodation-expansion

The Tanzanian government has announced plans to build a new international airport within the UNESCO World Heritage Serengeti National Park. The proposed Green International Airport is part of a broader strategy to expand aviation infrastructure while serving as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure in protected areas across Africa.The airport’s design will integrate best practices in green construction and environmental safeguarding including the use of renewable energy technologies, noise mitigation strategies, and preservation of wildlife corridors.

Further information: https://southernafricantimes.com/tanzania-commits-to-environmentally-sustainable-airport-development-in-serengeti-national-park/

Destination New South Wales and the National Parks and Wildlife Service has launched a new campaign that highlights seven multi-day walks to address the growing interest in nature-based visitor experiences. The Find Your Path on a NSW Great Walk campaign will target both experienced hikers and aspirational entry-level multi-day walkers offering camping and accommodation choices for overnight stays. It will roll out across digital, outdoor, and print media in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, Sydney, and regional New South Wales.

Further information: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/newsroom/find-your-path-nsw-great-walks-put-on-the-map

Spanish fashion brand Zara has launched a mobile app that provides curated travel content and a localised hotel delivery option for travellers. The Travel Mode initiative aims to enhance the customer experience by offering access to travel guides and recommendations on attractions, restaurants, and hotels for destinations such as Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan. In addition, customers can share travel memories, locate nearby Zara stores, and make online purchases directly within those markets.

Further information: https://www.zara.com/es/en/help-center/TravelMode

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Maldives has introduced a new management plan for the South Ari Marine Protected Area. This is the country’s largest marine protected area and is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and endangered sea turtles. The guidelines prioritise sustainability, safety, and the long-term protection of the ecosystem to ensure more responsible marine encounters. ​It will be co-managed by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency together with Guardians.

Further information: https://protectedareas.environment.gov.mv/storage/uploads/QEoAMRo9/2qnl0tcz.pdf

UNESCO has designated 16 new sites as Global Geoparks recognising their geological heritage of international importance and their role in promoting sustainable tourism, education, and local development. The new additions span four continents including for the first time locations in Saudi Arabia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea bringing the total number of Global Geoparks to 229 across 50 countries. Each site joins a global network that supports environmental education, scientific research, and cultural exchange.

Further information: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-names-16-new-global-geoparks

The New South Wales Environment and Heritage Department has released the Gardens of Stone Visitor Infrastructure Master Plan which seeks to establish the park as a major sustainable visitor destination, delivering economic, social and community benefits for the Lithgow region. It is focused on balancing sustainable recreational and commercial use with natural and cultural values, while enhancing biodiversity and conservation outcomes across the Gardens of Stone State Conservation Area which links the Wollemi and Blue Mountains national parks in the Central West.

Further information: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/publications/gardens-stone-state-conservation-area-visitor-infrastructure-master-plan

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature World Commission on Protected Areas has released the latest addition in their series of good practice guidance. The Practice Guidelines on Financing Protected and Conserved Areas provides practical field-tested advice for enhancing financial sustainability in protected and conserved areas around the world. This includes insights into the means and modes of obtaining, managing, and spending funds in ways that best serve conservation by conservation practitioners, managers, and decision-makers.

Further information: https://iucn.org/our-union/commissions/world-commission-protected-areas/our-work/wcpa-publications/iucn-wcpa-good

Tourism Western Australia, in partnership with the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, has launched a series of Cultural Inclusion Resources for tourism operators. The four guides have been developed as an educational resource to assist businesses who wish to respectfully engage and work with Aboriginal people and tourism products. The guides aim to remove barriers, offer best practice protocols, and promote cultural safety and inclusivity.

Further information: https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/resources-and-support/industry-development/aboriginal-tourism

A new Indigenous cultural tourism centre is being developed in the Daintree National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub is funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments and will allow visitors to learn about one of the oldest living cultures in the world through traditional ceremonies, dance, art, and tours. It will be managed by the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and is scheduled to open in December 2025.

Further information: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/daintree/about/eastern-kuku-yalanjiwarra-culture-tourism-hub-development

The Travel Corporation has released their annual Impact Report 2024 which covers the ongoing commitment of their brand portfolio to address overtourism, reach net zero, ensure responsible consumption and production, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also marks the conclusion of their five-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy which has seen The Travel Corporation donated over $2.9 million USD to sustainable tourism projects and nature-based solutions around the world.

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

Wonderful Copenhagen, the official tourist organisation of the Danish capital city, is bringing back CopenPay which was launched as a pilot in 2024 to inspire travellers to make sustainable choices in exchange for experiences across the city. A new feature will provide benefits to travellers who arrive in the city by train including free bike rentals, yoga sessions, guided tours, and discounts at Copenhagen attractions. The program will also reward travellers who stay for four days or more and who purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for their flights. The project has become part of the European Union Transition Pathways for Tourism program.

Further information: https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/wonderful-copenhagen/international-press/international-press/copenpay-returns-3-times-bigger-copenhagen-now-rewards-tourists-who-arrive-train

Photo by Mark Tanggaard

A new decarbonisation tourism resource released by the University of Queensland Business School provides a framework and actionable strategies to reduce carbon footprints for destinations. The Tourism Destination Decarbonisation Toolkit is designed to be used by managers in any organisation with responsibility to manage or market tourism in a national, regional, or local destination. It provides a science-informed framework for decarbonising tourism destinations including actions that destinations can take to reduce their emissions.

Further information: https://decarbonisingtourism.wordpress.com/

The Conscious Travel Foundation has released its 2024 Impact Report detailing progress and insights across three pillars of Connection, Learning and Philanthropy. The report highlights the growth of the foundation’s global community, which now includes over one hundred members from 26 countries and 10 sectors. It also highlights the foundation’s work in connecting good people, fostering learning, and driving climate action within the travel industry.

Further information: https://www.theconscioustravelfoundation.com/stories/2024-impact-report

Finland is inviting travellers to go beyond sightseeing and become part of a movement for responsible tourism. The Sustainable Finland Pledge is a simple promise to travel with care for nature, for people, and for culture. By taking the pledge, visitors commit to small actions that make a significant difference, like choosing eco-certified accommodations, supporting local businesses, respecting cultural heritage, and leaving natural spaces as they were found.

Further information: https://www.visitfinland.com/en/sustainable-finland-pledge/

The Queensland Government has launched the Destination 2045 plan which aims to double the value of visitor expenditure to Queensland’s economy to $84 billion by leveraging opportunities in the lead up and legacy of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A key focus of the plan is to deliver 45 new ecotourism experiences, make Queensland the events capital, attract new flight connections, and streamline regulation for industry. The plan involved consultation with more than 1,500 stakeholders including tourism operators, businesses, local governments, community members and Traditional Owners.

Further information: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102656

The UN Tourism and UN Trade and Development have developed a new framework for policies that aim to attract investment in tourism aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Investment in Tourism are designed to guide policymakers and stakeholders towards investments aligned with a more sustainable and inclusive future. They offer a roadmap to achieve objectives by aligning the four dimensions of investment policymaking incorporating governance, economic, sociocultural, and environmental elements.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-and-unctad-unveil-guiding-principles-for-sustainable-investment-in-tourism

The Enhancing Nature Based Tourism project, funded by the New South Wales Government and Forestry Corporation, has delivered new and upgraded visitor facilities as a drawcard for regional tourism. The project includes a new Sugar Pines visitor area and a reinvigorated Alpine Ash Walk. Partners in the project include Sculpture By the Sea, The Connective Co., NSW Murrumbidgee Local Health District, The Mulloon Institute, Planet Ark, and the Tumut Brungle Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Further information: https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/regional-tourism

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council has unveiled a new self-assessment tool designed for any destination seeking to measure and enhance their sustainable tourism practices. The tool offers a simple yet effective way for destination managers to evaluate their progress across the four pillars of the Destination Criteria. Destinations will gain valuable insights, actionable strategies, and tools for sustainable destination management, reducing environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and supporting cultural sustainability.

Further information: https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-launches-new-self-assessment-tool-for-destinations

A new tour guide training and development program is being developed by the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and Tourism and Events Queensland to enhance presentation and interpretation of the World Heritage Area. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides program will be delivered through a free online learning platform and supported by a range of professional development resources providing opportunities for face-to-face learning and assessment.

Further information: https://www.wettropics.gov.au/tour-guide-training

Coral Sea Marina in The Whitsundays is Australia’s first marina to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. The Queensland marina features 520 wet berths, two lively shoreside marina villages, and hosts 80 percent of the region’s on-water tourism experiences including 52 commercial operators. It also has several sustainable initiatives including the educational Coral Sea Academy, a seagrass nursery and citizen science programs. It also honours the traditional owners of the land, the Birri-Gubba Nation, through cultural collaborations, interpretive signage, and online resources.

Further information: https://www.coralseamarina.com/environment/

A new report from analytics company ForwardKeys has shown destinations with established digital nomad schemes are seeing strong increases in interest from travellers seeking to combine work and leisure. Destinations that welcome digital nomads benefit from sustained, predictable, and locally distributed economic impact. These travellers stay far longer than the average tourist, are experience driven, tech-savvy, and inclined to spend on local culture, co-working spaces, and wellness services.

Further information: https://forwardkeys.com/remote-work-real-opportunity-how-digital-nomads-are-reshaping-global-tourism/

Accenture’s latest research provides insights into how AI is reshaping consumer sentiment and purchase behaviour across the travel, retail, and consumer packaged goods industries. The report Me, My Brand, and AI: The New World of Consumer Engagement reveals more than half of travellers are ready for artificial intelligence agents to plan and book entire trips The online survey of 18,000 consumers in 14 countries revealed that generative AI is the number one go-to channel for travel discovery, surpassing traditional search methods such as online travel agencies and social media.

Further information: https://www.accenture.com/au-en/insights/consulting/me-my-brand-ai-new-world-consumer-engagement

The European Travel Insights: Unveiling the Top Trends report provides a comprehensive analysis of how travellers from France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom are planning, booking, and experiencing travel in 2025. The study was conducted among 2,394 high-intent travellers in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain. The report captures the evolving dynamics of the European travel landscape and equips stakeholders with actionable insights to navigate changing consumer sentiment and market conditions.

Further information: https://research.skift.com/reports/european-travel-insights-unveiling-the-top-trends-for-2025/

Expedia Group have released 2025 Traveller Value Index Report which reveals significant shifts in how travellers plan and book travel compared to previous years, including a surge in social media influence and the impact of trust. The study conducted by Wakefield Research surveyed 11,000 consumers across 11 global markets, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S. Comparisons were also made against the 2023 Traveler Value Index to understand shifts in traveller preferences and values, as well as emerging influences impacting decision making.

Further information: https://partner.expediagroup.com/en-us/resources/research-insights/2025-traveler-value-index

The World Travel and Tourism Council, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, has produced a report on the economic and employment impact of travel and tourism for 184 countries and 28 geographic and economic regions across the world. The Economic Impact Research 2025 Factsheet highlights the importance of travel and tourism to the world across several metrics and features details to equip public and private sector bodies with policymaking and investment decisions to support the sector.

Further information: https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/factsheet-world-travel-tourism-economic-impact-research

Preferred Hotels and Resorts has released a consumer trends study which reveals that luxury travellers are seeking immersive and curated experiences with loyalty programs remaining a top priority. The 2025 Luxury Travel Report highlights the five key trends that are transforming the industry and shaping its future.​ The study was conducted by The Harris Poll from February to March 2025 among 503 affluent U.S. travellers. Preferred Hotels and Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand representing more than 600 hotels, resorts, and residences across eighty countries.

Further information: https://preferredhotels.com/bulletin/preferred-hotels-resorts-launches-luxury-travel-report-2025

The Mastercard Economics Institute has released its annual report which highlights passions and purpose-driven motivations remain strong drivers shaping the travel industry. The Travel Trends 2025: Purpose-driven Journeys Report uncovers what is shaping travel choices and consumer spending insights globally. The report draws upon a unique analysis of aggregated and anonymised transactions, as well as third-party data sources.

Further information: https://www.mastercard.com/news/press/2025/may/mastercard-economics-institute-what-moves-us-the-motivations-behind-global-travel-in-2025/

The Wine Tourism Conference will be held in Plovidv, Bulgaria from 6-7 October 2025. The conference is an opportunity for experts from across the field of wine tourism to make tourism an enabler of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for communities.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/events/9-un-tourism-global-conference-on-wine-tourism

The IUCN World Conservation Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi from 9-15 October 2025. The congress is held every four years and provides a platform to foster collaboration for achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework and addressing critical environmental and development challenges worldwide.

Further information: https://iucncongress2025.org/

The Adventure Travel World Summit will be held in Puerto Natales, Chile from 13-16 October 2025. The event will see adventure tour operators, destination representatives, and travel writers from across the globe gather to explore travel trends and develop new connections.

Further information: https://events.adventuretravel.biz/summit/chile-2025

The Australian Regional Tourism Convention will be held in the Adelaide Hills from 14-17 October 2025. The convention is tailored for all sectors of the tourism industry providing networking opportunities and forums to exchange ideas about ways to grow a sustainable regional destination and to highlight best practice success.

Further information: https://regionaltourism.com.au/convention2025