Edition 208 · October 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

The Queensland Government has released the guiding principles for assessing and approving proposals for ecotourism facilities on national parks. The Implementation Framework 2025: Ecotourism Facilities on National Parks explains how ecotourism facility proposals will be assessed, the matters that will be considered, and the approval and commercial arrangements for successful proposals.

Further information: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/management/ecotourism/strategies

Helsinki in Finland has launched the world’s first sightseeing tour for dogs. The Doggy Route to Happiness includes a stick-built monument, a pop-up café, and an entire island open 24/7. The route also includes billboards placed at canine eye level, posters sprayed with a custom scent, dogfluencer events, reggae and soft rock playlists, and caricatures drawn by a local illustrator.

Further information: https://www.creativeboom.com/news/the-doggy-route-to-happiness-helsinki-launches-world-first-sightseeing-tour-for-dogs/

The Australia Government has announced the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant which has been extended for a further three years. Valued at $10 million each year, the program aims to support wine or cider producers that encourage visitation to regional Australia. To date the program has supported hundreds of wineries and cellar door operations to enhance visitor experiences and showcase premium wines. Applications close 31 October 2025.

Further information: https://www.wineaustralia.com/wine-tourism-and-cellar-door-grants

The Queensland Government has launched a new $20 million funding program to support local destinations in developing and enhancing tourism offerings. The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund aims to develop and enhance tourism infrastructure and attractions outside south-east Queensland. Applications close 12 November 2026.

Further information: https://www.detsi.qld.gov.au/tourism/funding-grants/regional-tourism-infrastructure-fund

Ride-hailing company Uber is offering tailored safari experiences in Nairobi National Park the world’s only national park located within a capital city. Uber Safari is a new product category that aims to make it easier for locals and tourists to explore Kenya’s iconic wildlife either by day or night. Riders can pre-book their adventure directly in the app with each three-hour wildlife experience including a licensed guide. The initiative is being supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service, the Tourism Regulatory Authority, and local fleet partners.

Further information: https://cioafrica.co/uber-announces-the-launch-of-uber-safari/

A new airline is planning to begin operations in Australian in 2026. The Melbourne-based Koala Airlines is promising a new approach to low-cost flying which will focus on service and the customer experience like JetBlue or Southwest Airlines. It acquired Desert Air Safaris in 2019 which was founded in 1970 to connect remote communities in the Australian Outback.

Further information: https://simpleflying.com/new-australian-low-cost-carrier-koala-airlines-plans-2026-launch

Ponant Explorations is a signatory of the UN World Tourism Organisation Global Tourism Plastics Initiative which is a long-term commitment to sustainable tourism and the transition to circular plastic economies. Under its Zero Plastic initiative, the cruise line aims to save more than 20 tonnes of plastic each year by equipping the entire fleet with Nordaq filtration systems on self-serve water fountains and providing each guest with a reusable water bottle. It has also phased out all plastic straws, cups, laundry bags, and single-serve food packaging.

Further information: https://us.ponant.com/ponant-zero-plastic

The New South Wales Government is investing $16.1 million to install 246 fast and ultra-fast Electric Vehicle chargers across the state. Many of the chargers will be accessible for drivers with a disability and will also include pull-through charging bays to accommodate drivers towing caravans, boats and trailers, making it easier for long-distance travellers to charge their Electric Vehicles. The new Electric Vehicle chargers will be installed in 38 suburbs by BP, Energy Australia, Plus ES, Tesla and NRMA.

Further information: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/electric-vehicles/what-are-we-doing

Emirates is introducing a second limited edition collection of handmade luggage and bags crafted from materials salvaged from iconic aircraft. The Aircrafted by Emirates 2025 Collection is available to purchase with proceeds donated to disadvantaged children worldwide via the Emirates Airline Foundation. To date, the initiative has seen more than 30,000 kilograms of materials from 63 aircraft including aluminium headrests, pure leather from First and Business Class seats, and sofas in the A380 onboard lounge.

Further information: https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-drops-second-limited-edition-collection-of-luggage-made-from-upcycled-aircraft-interiors—aircrafted-by-emirates/

The Comiskey Group has revealed plans for a $250 million greenfield expansion in the Moreton Bay region which will be located in-between the existing Sandstone Point Holiday Resort and Hotel. The new development will feature a five-star hotel with 202 rooms and enhanced event infrastructure including upgraded car parking facilities and a dedicated bus terminal to improve access for concerts and major events. The Comiskey Group is also looking for expressions of interest from eco-tourism experiences to align with this transformative development.

Further information: https://comiskey.com.au/major-news-250m-sandstone-point-expansion-announced/

The only IKEA hotel is built on the site of the world’s first ever IKEA store directly across from the IKEA museum in Älmhult, Sweden. In 1964, Ingvar Kamprad built Motel IKEA with 25 rooms, a restaurant and swimming pool. Now, almost 60 years later, it has become IKEA Hotel with 254 rooms plus the breakfast buffet is included with unlimited meatballs.

Further information: https://www.ikeahotell.com/en/

Plans are underway for a $150 million chocolate-themed tourist attraction at Tasmania’s historic Cadbury factory site in Hobart. The immersive experience will allow visitors of all ages to explore a hyperreal chocolate world inspired by the adjacent factory’s design. The project is a culmination of 15 years research and collaboration by Simon Currant and Associates and Mondelēz to celebrate a century of Cadbury in Tasmania while showcasing the State’s finest producers, ingredients, and makers. Construction is expected to begin next year with doors opening in 2027.

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

Tourism Western Australia has released essential resources for potential tourism investors including information on economic performance and government programs. The Tourism Investment Opportunities document outlines current accommodation prospects across Western Australia including government land releases, private sales, and partnerships with Traditional Owners. The updated resources aim to attract new investment and drive sustainable growth in the States tourism sector.

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

The Swedish Tourist Association (Svenska Turistföreningen) has created an initiative to guide visitors to relaxing and disconnected places in Sweden. The offline map shows the worst places for mobile coverage while providing the best places for nature experiences such as hiking and viewing snow-capped peaks.

Further information: https://www.svenskaturistforeningen.se/guider-tips/offlinekartan/

Destination New South Wales has partnered with CommBank iQ, a joint venture between the Commonwealth Bank and Quantium, to provide regional tourism partners with access to aggregated visitor spending behaviour. Destination iQ will help inform marketing campaigns, infrastructure planning and investment attraction, as well as support operators in identifying and responding to emerging visitor economy trends.

Further information: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/newsroom/destination-nsw-partners-with-commbank-to-unlock-visitor-economy-insights

The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has reopened a 32 kilometre walk in Beowa National Park on Yuin Country near Eden after a $14.9 million upgrade. The Light-to-Light multi-day walk which is named after the historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouses includes two new purpose-built hike-in campgrounds with 10 elevated hardwood sleeping platforms, toilet facilities, and new stretches of boardwalk. It is one of seven Great Walks in New South Wales with others including trails in the Byron hinterland and Blue Mountains.

Further information: https://media.destinationnsw.com.au/media-releases/revamped-light-light-walk-opens-nsw-far-south-coast

A new arts and cultural centre has opened on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) near Brisbane which aims to share and showcase the local indigenous culture to visitors from all over the world. The Quandamooka Arts and Culture Centre will feature Indigenous food tours, dining experiences, exhibitions, art markets, tours, workshops, performing spaces, as well as a cafe and gift shop. Ancient artefacts will also be showcased alongside contemporary art from Australian First Nations artists as well as invited International First Nations artists.

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

A partnership between Sunshine Coast Airport and Cérge is creating more inclusive travel experiences for people with disability through enhancements to companion technologies at the airport including Bluetooth tracking and a wheelchair database. This provides staff with information to tailor their support and expand the existing integration to include multiple staff at key locations in the customer journey including on arrival and at security screening. The technology empowers individuals with disability, along with their parents, carers, and support workers.

Further information: https://www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au/corporate/media/media-releases/cerge-and-sunshine-coast-airport-grow-partnership-to-create-new-pathways-for-accessible-travel/

Norway has approved a new tourist tax on overnight stays in areas particularly affected by tourism. Local authorities will apply the tax to accommodation charges and can adjust the percentage based on the season. Funds raised by the tax will be used to improve tourism infrastructure projects that benefit both visitors and local people. A tax may also be applied to cruise ships that make stops in areas that are most affected by overtourism.

Further information: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/06/06/norway-to-introduce-tourist-tax-amid-record-visitor-numbers-and-overtourism-concerns

The Pacific Tourism Organisation has launched new guidelines aiming to promote safe and respectful tourism activities that protect marine life. The Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines provide practical information for tourism operators to conserve species and habitats, as well as making a positive contribution to local communities. Tailored to the pacific region the guidelines provide information on how to conduct responsible viewing and swimming experiences with whales, dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles and seabirds.

Further information: https://library.sprep.org/content/responsible-marine-wildlife-viewing-guidelines-guide-industry-best-practice-viewing-marine

The Slovenian Tourist Board has launched the Safe in the Mountains campaign in partnership with Slovenia Outdoor, the Alpine Association of Slovenia, the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia, the Slovenian Environment Agency, the Slovenian Police, the Association of Mountain Guides of Slovenia, the Julian Alps Community, and Triglav National Park. Tourism operators will share the content across their communication channels and promotional materials including stickers and posters featuring a QR code linking directly to the website will be displayed at key destinations and trailheads to raise awareness about safe and responsible mountain visits.

Further information: https://www.slovenia.info/en/press-centre/news-of-the-tourism-press-agency/33413-safety-first-strengthening-responsible-mountain-travel

TUI Care Foundation, in partnership with the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, has brought together tourists, tourism businesses and residents across the wider Famagusta region of Cyprus to cut consumption of single-use plastic which make up 95 percent of sea and beach waste across the Mediterranean. The Keep our Sand Sea and Plastic Free program will help locals, businesses, school children, and tourists reduce consumption of plastic straws, cups, cutlery and hotel toiletries through changing procurement practices.

Further information: https://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/casestudy/keeping-sand-and-sea-plastic-free-in-cyprus/

The United Nations has developed a framework for policies that aim to attract investment in sustainable tourism. The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Investment in Tourism offers a roadmap to achieve a set of multifaceted objectives by aligning policymaking with the governance, economic, sociocultural and environmental dimensions. Investment in tourism takes all four dimensions into account and creates inclusive long-term growth that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Further information: https://unctad.org/publication/guiding-principles-sustainable-investment-tourism

The New South Wales Government has launched their Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 following consultation with more than 500 stakeholders. Destination New South Wales will lead the delivery of the strategy and will collaborate with government agencies and industry stakeholders to boost the state’s global competitiveness, attract more high-value travellers and grow tourism jobs.

Further information: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/about-us/visitor-economy-strategy-2035

Greece has united the Ionian Islands, North Aegean, and South Aegean under a regional pact aimed at driving sustainable tourism across its island territories. The Corfu Declaration lays out a shared vision for environmentally responsible development, innovation-led visitor experiences, protection of cultural and natural heritage, and alignment with global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Tourism Agenda 2030. It aims to position Greece as a European leader in sustainable island tourism as visitors become increasingly conscious of environmental and ethical concerns.

Further information: https://news.gtp.gr/2025/07/14/greek-island-regions-unite-under-corfu-declaration-for-sustainable-tourism/

The Destination Stewardship Yearbook 2024–25, published by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Centre for Responsible Travel, and the Destination Stewardship Centre, weaves together global voices and perspectives on how we care for people, places, and ecosystems through tourism. The report provides practical information and insights to improve destination stewardship by bringing community together, adjusting traditional tourism marketing practices, and promoting shared governance around the world.

Further information: https://www.responsibletravel.org/destination-stewardship-report/

A new initiative by UN Tourism, UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Pacific Tourism Organisation seeks to strengthen the connection between agrifood systems and tourism. The Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism Project aims to create travel itineraries and experiences that connect visitors with organic farms, traditional food producers and local culinary heritage in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Palau.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-fao-mountain-partnership-and-spto-join-forces-to-promote-sustainable-gastronomy-tourism-in-pacific-sids

Visit Finland has published the third edition of the State of Sustainable Tourism report, in collaboration with Finnish Consulting Group, which highlights the need to develop indicators and monitoring tools that guide tourism in a sustainable and transparent way. The report highlights the key themes of 2024 including local engagement, nature positiveness, and emissions from air travel. It also stresses that anticipating and managing visitor flows is crucial to protecting the very assets travellers come to experience.

Further information: https://travel-trade.visitfinland.com/en/contacts/news/finland-takes-proactive-steps-to-safeguard-sustainable-tourism/

The Queensland Ecotourism Development Toolkit has been developed by the Queensland Government to provide developers and investors with the knowledge and guidelines to help make informed decisions regarding the development of ecotourism products on different land tenures.

Further information: https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/queensland-ecotourism-development-toolkit

The Australian Government has partnered with the Australian Tourism Industry Council to launch the Quality Tourism eLearning Hub for Australia’s tourism industry. The new training hub is designed to support tourism operators and staff build and improve skills, enhance professionalism and develop stronger business capability. It forms part of the $8 million Quality Tourism Framework which offers industry a suite of online training and accreditation programs across sustainability, accessibility and customer service readiness.

Further information: https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/don-farrell/media-release/supporting-tourism-operators-flexible-industry-focused-training

The Eco-Lighthouse Foundation is Norway’s most widely used certification scheme for enterprises seeking to document their environmental efforts and demonstrate social responsibility. Businesses work towards satisfying requirements and implementing environmental measures to create more environmentally friendly operations and safer work environments. It is also the first national certification scheme to be recognised by the European Commission.

Further information: https://eco-lighthouse.org/

A report from Future Market Insights highlights how the Nocturnal Tourism sector is projected to grow another 10 percent in 2025. The Nocturnal Tourism Market Trends – Growth and Forecast 2025-2035 report shows how this expansion stems from the trends in urbanisation of tourism, diversification of products, and rising demand for cultural and entertainment services in the night. Cities worldwide are also increasingly leveraging the night-time economy by extending operating hours, increasing safety measures, and event theming for night-time.

Further information: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/nocturnal-tourism-market

A new report by Create Australia explores the role of arts experiences as visitor economy drivers. The Domestic Arts Tourism: Connecting the Country report presents trends and insights on how Australians connect with the arts when travelling on daytrips and overnight stays. The report brings together data from Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey with additional resources to provide insights into the potential for the arts to support and drive domestic tourism in Australia.

Further information: https://creative.gov.au/research/domestic-arts-tourism-connecting-country

Accor, Booking.com and the University of Surrey have published research on understanding and addressing traveller motivations when it comes to making more sustainable decisions during their stay. The Engaging Travellers to Embrace more Sustainable Behaviours Report identifies some of the challenges hospitality providers face when communicating with guests on sustainability and identifies ways to positively influence guest behaviour.

Further information: https://press.accor.com/new-industry-study-identifies-key-routes-to-engag-ing-guests-on-travelling-more-sustainabl-y/

The Global Tourism Forum will be held in Brussels from 20-21 October 2025. This high-level event brings together heads of state, government officials, CEOs, investors, and leaders to discuss the future of global tourism, investment trends, and technological innovations shaping the industry.

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

The IATA World Sustainability Symposium will be held in Hong Kong, China from 21-22 October 2025. The event brings together leaders from industry, government, aviation, and energy to discuss the key enablers for aviation’s successful decarbonisation by 2050.

Further information: https://www.iata.org/en/events/all/world-sustainability-symposium/#tab-2

The Tourism Summit Aotearoa New Zealand will be held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29 October 2025. The annual event brings together more than 300 business and industry leaders to explore strategies, innovations and partnerships that are shaping the future of the tourism industry in New Zealand.

Further information: https://www.tia.org.nz/events/tourism-summit-aotearoa

The Northern Territory Department of Tourism and Hospitality has announced the inaugural Destination NT which will be held in Darmin from 4-8 November 2025. The new initiative will feature a full-day conference, sector specific forums, workshops, networking, and tourism awards.

Further information: https://www.tourismnt.com.au/industry-toolkit/destination-nt-connect-collaborate-celebrate

The inaugural TOURISE Summit will be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 11-13 November 2025. The event provides a platform to unite visionary public and private sector leaders across tourism, technology, investment and sustainability ecosystems.

Further information: https://www.tourise.com/en/home