Edition 210 · December 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

Project Rebirth is an AI-powered crash survival system which deploys smart airbags, impact-absorbing fluids, and reverse thrust mid-air turning fatal crashes into survivable landings. It uses five smart technologies to predict crashes, slow the aircraft, protect passengers, and aid rescuers. The aim is that the system can be added to existing planes as well as built into new ones.

Further information: https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/en-AE/2025/project/project-rebirth

The New South Wales Government is inviting the aviation industry to apply for grants designed to attract new airline services and boost aviation capacity across the state. Airports across New South Wales can apply for funding under the $12.5 million Take Off Fund program which will provide financial and marketing support to airlines that commit to launching new or additional services servicing a priority market and commencing before 30 June 2027.

Further information: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/destination-nsw-business-support/grants-and-funding/take-off-fund-2025

The Queensland Government Cultural Tourism Fund provides grants to support the development and presentation of new programming initiatives within Queensland festivals and events that attract new audiences, increase visitation and drive regional growth. It forms part of the Queensland’s 10-year arts and culture strategy including supporting unique experiences and transformational projects for Brisbane 2032. Applications close 23 February 2026.

Further information: https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/funding-opportunities/funding/cultural-tourism-fund

Coastal event organisers are invited to apply for the $750,000 Algal Bloom Event Support Fund to host events in South Australia’s coastal destinations impacted by the algal bloom.  Grants of up to $20,000 will be made available to existing events in metropolitan and regional coastal areas to stimulate visitation, drive economic recovery, and foster community connection. It will support events held from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026 in eligible postcodes across metropolitan and regional coastal areas. Applications close 1 March 2026.

Further information: https://tourism.sa.gov.au/events/event-funding

The International Air Transport Association and Amadeus are integrating flight-specific emissions data from CO2 Connect in the Amadeus Travel Platform. This will allow airlines, travel agents, corporate travel managers, and online platforms to provide travellers with trusted emissions data at the point of booking. CO2 Connect uses data such as aircraft type-specific fuel consumption from over 70 airlines to calculate a globally standardised methodology. The agreement will also help fulfill traveller expectations for greater transparency as airlines progress towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Further information: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2025-releases/2025-06-03-02/

See Moreton has launched a brand-new $10 million world-class luxury catamaran proudly built on the Gold Coast. Taking more than 24 months to design and build, The Spirit of Mulgumpin spans three levels offering guests the chance to snorkel the famous Tangalooma Wrecks at Moreton Island one of the world’s largest sand islands. See Moreton is part of The Tour Collective a leading tour marine operator in South-East Queensland.

Further information: https://seemoreton.com.au/mulgumpin-charter-vessel/

Qantas has provided the first look at its exclusively configured ultra-long-haul A350-1000ULR aircraft being assembled at Airbus’ Toulouse facility for the world’s longest flight. The Project Sunrise aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with commercial services expected to launch in the first half of 2027. It is designed to fly nonstop for up to 22 hours connecting Sydney to London and New York without any layover or stopover. The limited seat count, wellbeing-first design, tailored in-flight services, and potential to bypass international hubs signals a repositioning of ultra-long-haul travel.

Further information: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/about-us/our-company/fleet/new-fleet/project-sunrise.html

La Vie Hotels and Resorts has secured the management rights for the Lindeman Island Hotel revival project in The Whitsundays. The resort is being developed by Well Smart Group, a Singapore-based investment company that acquired Lindeman Island in 2023. The five-star eco-luxury resort will feature around 200 rooms and nine suites, multiple dining venues, a luxury spa and gym and conference and wedding facilities. Phase one, including a new 50-metre jetty, is scheduled for completion in 2026 and is part of a broader $583 million master plan including ecotourism facilities, native vegetation restoration and renewable energy initiatives.

Further information: https://laviehotels.com/news/

The largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere has opened in Sydney Harbour, following in the footsteps of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as one of Sydney’s most technically complex projects. With 6,000 square metres of public open space, the new Sydney Fish Market features 40 retail stores, cafes, bars and restaurants. The roof’s design also allows sunlight during the day to illuminate upper levels, collect rainwater for recycling, and generate energy via solar panels to offset the building’s energy consumption.

Further information: https://newsydneyfishmarket.insw.com/insw/new-sydney-fish-market

Tourism Research Australia’s Tourism Investment Monitor 2024-25 shows the value of investment grew to $74.5 billion last financial year. The monitor provides a snapshot of the strength of the industry, detailing the pipeline of investments planned for this critical sector. Projects across Australia included new airport terminals, arts entertainment precincts and accommodation offerings which support jobs and businesses across the country.

Further information: https://www.tra.gov.au/en/economic-analysis/tourism-investment-monitor

The New Zealand Department of Conservation, in collaboration with Deloitte, has unveiled a new three-year campaign designed to serve as a catalyst for connecting with nature in new ways that aims to spark curiosity and conversations around the plants, birds, and marine life. The Always Be Naturing campaign leveraged research that showed New Zealanders want to take action to protect nature and offers tools for individuals and businesses to help them get involved in conservation.

Further information: https://www.deloittedigital.com/nz/en/work/doc-always-be-naturing.html

The Good Travel Alliance have launched the Good Travel Experiences Guide that highlights tourism activities that create real benefits for local people and communities, while reducing their impact on nature, culture, and the climate. The Good Travel Alliance is a collective of destinations, tourism boards, and tour operators working together to develop travel products, attractions, activities, and trails that maximise social benefits while minimising negative impacts on the climate, environment, nature and culture.

Further information: https://goodtravel.guide/

Travalyst, the independent not-for-profit coalition of travel and technology companies, founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has launched the Data Hub. The new platform is designed to make sustainability data more accessible, credible, compliant and comparable across the travel sector. It is designed to flow directly into booking platforms, business tools, reporting systems and decision-making frameworks, enabling more responsible choices and effective planning across the travel ecosystem. Future releases will incorporate biodiversity and social sustainability data covering accommodations, destinations, rail, and end-to-end journeys.

Further information: https://travalyst.org/news/travalyst-launches-the-data-hub/

The Slovenian Tourist Board is delivering a unique experience using a virtual travel advisor powered by artificial intelligence who has become a trusted digital companion for visitors seeking tailored information about the country. Alma is shaping how tourists plan and experience Slovenia with monthly usage showing it is used to plan itineraries and routes, combining daily activity schedules with Google Maps links for smooth navigation. Popular queries include details about natural landmarks, as well as family trips, culinary events festivals, wine tastings, and local restaurants.

Further information: https://www.slovenia.info/en/press-centre/news-of-the-tourism-press-agency/34558-ai-alma-digital-travel-companion-grows-in-popularity

Increases to national park visitor fees for non-residents of the United States are due to come into force from 1 January 2026. Foreign visitors will pay USD$250 for the America the Beautiful Annual Pass on top of the standard entry price to visit 11 iconic parks. Revenue generated from the new fees will be invested directly back into national parks by supporting upgrades to facilities for visitors, maintenance, and improved services.

Further information: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-announces-modernized-more-affordable-national-park-access

The Australian Wildlife Journeys collective has welcomed Arkaba, located in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, into its collective. Part of the Wild Bush Luxury portfolio, Arkaba was created as a dedicated wildlife conservancy in 2013 based on the African safari model. It is committed to restoring and protecting 63,000 acres through large-scale rewilding and conservation initiatives. Guests can also actively contribute by joining hands-on wildlife monitoring, ecological surveys, and educational experiences supported by a two percent levy included in the cost of every stay or walk.

Further information: https://experiencearkaba.com/

Tourism Australia has developed a factsheet which provides insights on travellers’ views of Indigenous tourism sourced from Tourism Australia’s Consumer Demand Project and Tourism Research Australia. The fact sheet includes data on the number, growth, awareness and types of Indigenous tourism experiences per market.

Further information: https://www.tourism.australia.com/content/dam/digital/corporate/documents/indigenous-tourism-insights-and-data.pdf

The new Handbook of Accessible Tourism features 35 chapters from 69 researchers and practitioners worldwide. It highlights how accessible tourism has developed as a field by providing examples of inclusive destinations and technologies, as well as exploring design approaches and training that position accessibility as central to tourism practice. It also identifies gaps in current knowledge and provides recommendations for future research and innovation, encouraging continuous improvement in accessible tourism.

Further information: https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783111316130/html

The UN Tourism, in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Agency for Business and Economic Development, have launched the Accessibility Guidelines for Tourism Businesses. The guidelines outline five practical steps for accommodation, travel agencies, transport companies, and destinations to follow including growing revenue by reaching a broader customer base, strengthening brand reputation, and planning cost-effective improvements to boost accessibility.

Further information: https://www.untourism.int/news/un-tourism-joins-awe-in-delivering-practical-solutions-for-more-accessible-and-inclusive-tourism-businesses

VisitEngland has released a guide to highlight the idea that tourism can and should have a positive impact, leaving a place better than it was before. The aim is for operators and visitors to be part of revitalising and regenerating destinations by contributing to a positive cycle of impacts on local environments, communities and economies. The five stages of the PLANT Framework also guide businesses through the process of becoming a more regenerative tourism business in an easily digestible format.

Further information: https://www.visitbritain.org/news-and-media/industry-news-and-press-releases/visitengland-launch-regenerative-tourism-guide

UN Tourism and E1 Series have joined forces to promote clean marine transport technologies which support sustainable sports tourism development around the world. The Memorandum of Understanding aims to raise public awareness and promote action in marine conservation. E1 is the world’s first and only all-electric boat racing championship which was established to focus efforts on innovations that help protect and restore urban waters and coastal areas.

Further information: https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-and-e1-series-join-forces-to-promote-sustainable-mobility-and-tourism-through-sport

World Expeditions Travel Group has released its 2024-25 Impact Report outlining its work to become more sustainable and to achieve B Corp certification. The inaugural report brings together the key initiatives, partnerships and measurable progress made across global operations from reducing environmental impact and championing ethical animal welfare to supporting grassroots community projects and helping preserve cultural heritage.

Further information: https://www.utracks.com/About/Responsible-Travel/Impact-Reports

The region of Skåne in South Sweden has initiated the Smart Nature project, drawing inspiration from smart city concepts and applying them to rural and natural contexts. The initiative is part of Visit Skåne’s broader innovation agenda designed to identify effective tools for managing visitor flows in natural areas, reduce congestion and improve the visitor experience.

Further information: https://corporate.visitskane.com/en/projects/smart-nature-balancing-visitor-flows

Expedia has released a first-in-travel framework inspired by the World Travel and Tourism Council to assess destinations based on the six principles for sustainable tourism management. The Smart Travel Health Check recognises destinations that offer meaningful travel experiences and proactively manage tourism in a sustainable way including community empowerment, transparent reinvestment of tourism revenue, and data-driven planning.

Further information: https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/where-to-travel-in-2026-expedia/

The Queensland Government has released new planning guidance that encourages local councils to support agritourism ventures including farm stays, cellar doors, and food experiences through their local planning schemes. Part of the 20-year tourism plan, the guidance was developed in consultation with Agritourism Queensland, the Queensland Farmers Federation, the Local Government Association of Queensland, and several councils.

Further information: https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/plan-making/local-planning/assisting-local-government/boosting-regional-economies-through-agritourism

A new report explores how a shift towards an ecosystem-based approach can transform travel and tourism into a stronger driver of prosperity, resilience. Developed by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Kearney, the Beyond Tourism: Coordinated Pathways to Inclusive Prosperity report uses stakeholder consultations, data and case studies to show that when governments, businesses, and communities align around shared outcomes, tourism becomes a powerful engine for inclusive prosperity and resilience. It also calls for greater alignment across the enablers of people and skills, finance, infrastructure, technology and innovation, and policy and governance.

Further information: https://www.weforum.org/publications/beyond-tourism-coordinated-pathways-to-inclusive-prosperity/

The Women in Tourism Regional Congress was held in Sierra Leone with key stakeholders to provide a roadmap for accelerating gender equality, education, innovation, finance access, and digital empowerment across Africa’s tourism sector. The Women in Tourism Regional Congress Report captured the outcomes including recommendations to promote inclusive policies, leadership, support entrepreneurs, and expand financial opportunities.

Further information: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/book/10.18111/9789284426805

Visit Victoria has released a new strategy that defines Victoria’s priorities and demand-led pathway to 2030. Visit Victoria 2030 aims to grow the State’s Visitor Economy while ensuring it is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. The strategy complements the Victorian Government’s blueprint for the tourism industry Experience Victoria 2033 and supports the ambitions outlined in other Government strategies for India, China and the agricultural sector.

Further information: https://corporate.visitvictoria.com/about/visit-victoria-2030

The Adventure Travel Trade Association has released its first Sustainability and Impact Report offering a detailed look into how the organisation is embedding sustainability across its operations, events, educational initiatives, and community engagement. The report offers a transparent snapshot of its progress from slashing carbon emissions and funding climate action to expanding education and committing to becoming a certified B Corporation by the end of 2026.

Further information: https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/atta-releases-its-first-ever-sustainability-impact-report-marking-a-milestone-in-industry-leadership

The New Zealand Government is investing additional funds in a new Tourism Growth Roadmap to double tourism export earnings by 2034. The plan aims to drive international visitor numbers and improve tourism infrastructure by investing in marketing across core and emerging international tourism markets and attracting business and major events to New Zealand.

Further information: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/tourism-growth-roadmap-speech-business-events-industry-aotearoa-beia

NPAQ’s Parks Connect program is running a brand-new Volunteer Ranger program in select South-East Queensland National Parks. The Volunteer Ranger program trains and supports adult Queenslanders equipping them with the relevant skills to engage with visitors and perform day-to-day activities such as maintaining trails, taking guided tours, and ensuring amenities and campsites are well maintained. Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Further information: https://npaq.org.au/parks-connect/parks-connect-volunteer-ranger/

Green Fins is the only internationally recognised environmental standard for marine tourism operators established through a partnership between the UN Environment Program and The Reef-World Foundation. It aims to protect coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines promoting sustainable diving and snorkelling. It encourages and empowers divers, snorkellers, the diving industry and coastal communities to reduce the pressures on coral reefs by offering practical, low-cost alternatives to harmful practices such as anchoring, fish feeding and chemical pollution.

Further information: https://greenfins.net/about-green-fins/

The winners of the 2025 Global Responsible Tourism Awards have been announced celebrating changemakers from around the world who embody the power of tourism to create positive impact. The awards organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism recognise initiatives across six categories including local sourcing, waste management, nature-positive tourism, peace and inclusion, climate resilience, and responsible all-inclusive resorts.

Further information: https://icrt.global/2025-responsible-tourism-awards/

The adoption of Artificial intelligence by hotels and airlines to deliver personalised experiences is growing in support, sales and marketing. The 2025 State of Artificial intelligence for Hotels and Airlines report reveals challenges like high costs, technical hurdles and fragmented data are slowing progress. Amperity surveyed 800 leaders across airlines and hotels from C-suite executives to marketing and IT teams to uncover where Artificial intelligence is working and what it means for the future of guest loyalty.

Further information: https://amperity.com/resources/2025-state-of-ai-for-travel-and-airlines

A new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council analyses the recovery and the growth of the sector at the global level and provides future projections for the decade ahead. The Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2025: Global Trends report highlights the emerging trends in the sector and lists the top 20 economies based on several key indicators including travel and tourism’s total contribution to GDP and employment, domestic and international visitor spending, and capital investment.

Further information: https://researchhub.wttc.org/product/travel-tourism-economic-impact-2025-global-trends

Hochschule Geisenheim University, in collaboration with UN Tourism, OIV, the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, and WineTourism.com have launched a comprehensive analysis of the international wine tourism sector. The Global Wine Tourism Report 2025 which draws upon insights from 1,310 wineries across 47 countries highlights how wine tourism has evolved from a niche interest into a powerful agent for sustainable development, cultural exchange, and innovative marketing practices.

Further information: https://www.hs-geisenheim.de/gwtreport

An economic impact report, commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association, shows the significant ongoing contribution of cruise tourism to the national economy. The 2024-25 Cruise Industry Economic Impact Analysis for Australia also reveals a concerning decline as regulatory uncertainties and rising costs begin to impact cruise ship deployment in the region.

Further information: https://www.cruising.org.au/ccms.r?Pageid=6022&tenid=CLIA&DispMode=goto|10717

Tourism Australia has released the 2025 Business Events Consumer Demand Project which surveyed 160 associations and 508 corporate decision makers from the incentive sector in 14 of Australia’s key markets. The research outlines the factors influencing decision makers when choosing a destination for events.

Further information: https://businessevents.australia.com/en/resources/information-for-australian-businesses/research-and-insights.html

The Global Tourism Forum Davos Summit will be held in Switzerland on 20 January 2026. The event offers a platform for tourism leaders to make contact and forge strategic partnerships with the aviation, technology, and banking sectors.

Further information: https://live.worldtourismforum.net/news/WTFI-News/Global-Tourism-Forum-to-Host-Exclusive-High-Level-Event-in-Davos-on-January-20-2026

The Australian Superyacht Conference will be held at Jones Bay Wharf in Sydney on 24 February 2026. The conference brings together captains, family office representatives, brokers, fleet managers and tourism bodies to discuss issues shaping the future of the sector.

Further information: https://superyacht-australia.com/news/australian-superyacht-conference-returns-in-2026-with-a-new-format-and-focus/

The Global Sustainable Tourism Summit will be held on the Gold Coast from 2-5 June 2026. The summit brings together changemakers and innovators to explore how the Australian visitor economy can better champion the four pillars of sustainability to build resilient, future-focused businesses.

Further information: https://ecotourism.org.au/gold-coast-to-host-2026-global-sustainable-tourism-summit/