Edition 215 · May 2026

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

Join industry leaders, innovators and changemakers at Ecotourism Australia’s Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026, taking place on the Gold Coast from 2–5 June 2026.
This flagship international event brings together the tourism sector to explore real-world solutions across people, planet, place and purpose, through inspiring keynotes, practical case studies and meaningful connections. Hear from international speakers from Slovenia, Malaysia and the UAE, alongside leading voices from across Australia.

Key conversations will tackle building green skills capability across the sector; communicating sustainability with confidence; designing inclusive experiences from the outset, and leveraging nature and wellness to create world-class tourism offerings.

Explore the program and secure your place: https://ecotourism.org.au/gsts-26/

Queensland’s iconic O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is celebrating 100 years as a pioneer of Australian ecotourism. Since 1926, the family-owned property in Lamington National Park has evolved from a remote guesthouse to the creation of the world’s first treetop walkway in a world-class destination. Now managed by third and fourth generations, the year-long celebration features interpretive history displays, vintage machinery exhibits, and guided hikes along the historic Stockyard Track.

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

UN Tourism, in collaboration with the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development – Société Marocaine d’Ingénierie Touristique, have launched the Morocco National UN Tourism Startup Competition – Rural & Community Tourism Innovation Challenge. The challenge aims to identify and support innovative startups and solutions that strengthen the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of rural tourism ecosystems across Morocco. Application deadline 31 July 2026.

Further information: https://www.untourism.int/startup-competition/morocco-national-un-tourism-startup-competition-rural-community-tourism-innovation-challenge

The City of Gold Coast has opened the second round of dedicated grant programs to help local operators grow and innovate sustainable nature connected experiences. The Nature-Based Tourism Program supports new and existing businesses in delivering low-impact, immersive experiences that promote environmental conservation and cultural heritage. It is designed to expand ecotourism offerings, support business development, and attract more visitors to explore the region’s unique natural assets. Applications close 30 June 2026.

Further information: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Invest-do-business/Supporting-business/Business-incentives-investment-programs/Nature-based-tourism

Lithuania, at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe, is home to UNESCO-listed heritage, forests, historic towns, and cultural traditions. The Discover Lithuania Challenge calls on startups, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers to reimagine how Lithuania is promoted, experienced, and remembered. Through storytelling, sustainability, immersive technology, and smart travel tools, this challenge supports scalable, tech-enabled solutions that put Lithuania on the map in bold, meaningful, and memorable ways.

Further information: https://www.untourism.int/startup-competition/un-tourism-discover-lithuania-challenge

Tourism stakeholders are invited to submit proposals to the Tourism Marketing South Africa Collaborative Fund which supports initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of the tourism sector and deliver measurable socio-economic impact. The fund is a private-sector led initiative funded through a voluntary tourism levy collected by participating tourism businesses to support destination marketing and sector development initiatives.

Further information: https://tbcsa.travel/collaborative-fund/

Collins Aerospace has transformed underutilised space in an aircraft into a flexible, semi-private retreat for families, travellers with service animals, or passengers who need additional comfort or space. The SkyNook isolates the seat from the aisle with a deployable privacy divider, reducing noise and shielding passengers from passing traffic typically found in premium business- and first-class cabins. The design has received industry recognition, winning first prize in the passenger comfort category at the Crystal Cabin Awards a benchmark for cabin innovation.

Further information: https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2026/04/15/rtxs-collins-aerospace-wins-a-crystal-cabin-award-for-its-skynook-solution

The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, in partnership with the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, has developed a practical new resource designed for tourism businesses in Tasmania. The Powering the Future: A Practical Guide to Installing EV Chargers and Supporting Electric Vehicle Tourists provides advice on selecting, installing and promoting EV charging infrastructure within businesses.

Further information: https://tict.com.au/industry-development/emissions-reduction/electric-vehicle-tourism/

The World Travel and Tourism Council have released a new report that highlights how cruise tourism is creating positive outcomes through strong collaboration between destinations, communities, and industry partners, helping to ensure that growth is inclusive, sustainable, and delivers long-term value for the places it touches around the world. The Cruising for Impact report shows how cruise tourism acts as a powerful driver of opportunity, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening communities, and creating long-term value in coastal and port destinations.

Further information: https://wttc.org/news/wttc-s-cruising-for-impact%E2%80%9D-report-highlights-the-positive-impact-of-cruise-tourism

Marriott International and the Leali family are entering into a joint venture to create a brand dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness to meet the increasing demand for transformative travel. Founded in Italy in 2006, Lefay is known for its immersive resorts in natural settings and its proprietary Spa Method which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. The current portfolio features two award-winning luxury resorts in Lago di Garda and Dolomiti Italy and a pipeline of properties under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps.

Further information: https://www.lefayresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Marriott-International-and-Lefay-Announce-Milestone-Deal-to-Grow-Luxury-Wellness-Offerings-Globally-1.pdf

Uber has expanded further into travel with the addition of hotel bookings via a partnership with Expedia Group. The ride-share company is offering rewards to encourage its nearly 50 million loyalty members to search and book from more than 700,000 hotels across the globe. The company is also adding AI-powered voice booking and travel recommendations to its platform as part of its multi-pronged release. It will also add vacation rentals via Expedia Group-owned Vrbo later this year.

Further information: https://www.uber.com/au/en/

Rawnsley Park Station has launched six new Oasis eco-villas at the property on the edge of Wilpena Pound in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. The Oasis eco-villas which feature private plunge pools, outdoor living spaces and views of Rawnsley Bluff will operate alongside the existing eco-villas. Guest activities include guided walks, 4WD tours, scenic flights, modern Australian cuisine, cultural touring and heli-camping adventures.

Further information: https://www.rawnsleypark.com.au/accommodation/oasis-eco-villas/

The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre in Longreach has received funds under Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s Tourism Icons Investment Fund. The $1 million grant will support the Outback Queensland Eco Link Project, delivering new tourism and environmental infrastructure within the region. The project includes the redevelopment of a 2.4-hectare lakes precinct with new walking trails, wetlands restoration, improved visitor amenities and a large undercover environmental interpretive facility.

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

Sunshine Coast Airport is seeking proposals to deliver a high-quality hotel that caters to a growing number of business and leisure travellers both domestic and international. The airport directly connects the Sunshine Coast community to destinations such as Adelaide, Auckland, Singapore via Bali, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney and is supported by five airlines including Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. Calls for Expressions of Interest close 27 May 2026.

Further information: https://www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au/corporate/media/media-releases/sunshine-coast-airport-seeks-landmark-hotel-development/

The European Travel Commission, supported by the European Union and 36 national tourism boards, has launched a major global initiative aimed at fundamentally shifting how travellers view their role in Europe. The campaign’s message Unlock an Unexpected Upgrade is a direct response to Europe’s status as the world’s most visited continent attracting nearly 700 million travellers annually. The European Travel Commission is also measuring its long-term impact through a Global Responsible Travel Index which tracks shifts in traveller attitudes across key long-haul markets.

Further information: https://unexpectedupgrade.eu/

Uppsala in Sweden, which has one of Europe’s oldest universities, is aiming to attract more curious travellers and strengthen the city’s allure. The IQ Tourism campaign aims to tap into personal growth and individual curiosity by showing why the destination is the perfect place for travellers motivated by more holistic goals. Destination managers have curated a list of experiences, places and phenomena for visitors ranging from groundbreaking research and history to contemporary innovations, culture, food and handicrafts. The campaign will be promoted both in and outside Sweden through commercial media using video content, digital, and third-party social media accounts.

Further information: https://press.destinationuppsala.se/posts/pressreleases/uppsala-forst-i-varlden-med-att-lansera-iq-tu

A new $17 million world-class facility is being developed within the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast in Queensland to transform wildlife care from emergency response to science-led conservation, research and education. The Currumbin Wildlife Institute is backed by all three levels of government marks a significant step forward in the Trust’s mission and commitment to protecting Australia’s extraordinary natural heritage. Construction is due for completion by June 2027.

Further information: https://currumbinwildlifehospital.org.au/research/currumbin-wildlife-institute/

TikTok is moving closer to online travel agencies and established booking platforms by introducing a new feature that allows users to discover and book hotels, tours, and local experiences directly inside the app. TikTok GO is turning travel content into direct bookings by allowing users to move from watching a short-form video to completing a reservation in just a few steps. The platform includes partnerships with major travel companies including Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Tiqets. It is currently available only in the United States, but similar initiatives already exist in markets such as Indonesia and Japan.

Further information: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/introducing-tiktok-go

The Tasmanian Walking Company has launched the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, the first and only multi-day walking journey to offer exclusive overnight stays inside the National Park. The five-day, 54-kilometre experience has been developed in close collaboration with Anangu Traditional Owners ensuring cultural integrity and long-term community benefit. Guests stay in eco-sensitive camps powered by solar, using collected rainwater, low-voltage lighting and efficient water-saving systems. Meals are sourced from local and ethical suppliers, reducing food miles and supporting community producers.

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

Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada: Advancing Conservation Policy, Practice and Indigenous Leadership is Canada’s first bilingual, interdisciplinary, open-access textbook focused on the planning and management of protected and conserved areas. This resource integrates Indigenous perspectives and case studies from across Canada on the emerging challenges linked to climate change and biodiversity loss to prepare the next generation of practitioners and researchers to become ethical, equitable, and effective decision-makers.

Further information: https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/pcacanadaen/

The World Commission on Protected Areas has released Good Practice Guideline which brings together practical experiences and lessons from across the world. Developed by rangers, the guidelines focus on what rangers and managers can do in their day-to-day work to build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve outcomes on the ground. The editors worked with partners to collect good practices and stories from rangers worldwide, reflecting global experience and lessons learned.

Further information: https://iucn.org/resources/publication/building-trust-between-rangers-and-communities

Destination New South Wales and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have launched a new campaign highlighting seven multi-day walks across the state. The Find Your Path on a New South Wales Great Walk campaign is designed to connect hikers with nature experiences by showcasing diverse landscapes from coastal scenery to alpine summits. It encourages visitors to explore three-day coastal treks and multi-day alpine hikes. Marketing activity will include digital, social and video in the ACT, Sydney and regional NSW targeting both experienced and entry-level multi-day walkers.

Further information: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/experiences/nsw-great-walks

The Western Australian Government is investing $5 million to support Traditional Owner-led tourism and secure the long-term future of visitor experiences at Garaan-ngaddim Horizontal Falls. The funding will deliver essential on-site infrastructure to enable the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation to develop and deliver new cultural tourism experiences at this iconic Kimberley location. This builds on a successful pilot program between the tour operator and Journey Beyond which has supported training for Dambimangari guides on-Country, tested new cultural tourism experiences, and helped establish emerging commercial partnerships.

Further information: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook%20Labor%20Government/Traditional-Owner-led-tourism-championed-at-Garaan-ngaddim-20260414

The Handbook of Accessible Tourism is a new resource offering insights, theoretical foundations, and practical strategies to make tourism more accessible. The handbook brings together 69 researchers and practitioners to combine conceptual and empirical work. It spans various components of the tourism system, considers the experiences of people with different accessibility requirements, and covers a range of geographical settings. 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

Artificial Intelligence food waste firm Winnow and easyJet holidays have released a new white paper which addresses how food waste in tourism affects sourcing, operations, guest experience, and destinations. Developed in collaboration with UN Tourism, A Practical Guide to Reducing Food Waste in Resorts report shows how data and technology, combined with team expertise, can help prevent waste through better production planning, menu design, and day to day decisions, while protecting the guest experience and strengthening local value chains.

Further information: https://www.easyjet.com/en/news/article/easyjet-holidays-and-winnow-tackling-hotel-food-waste

Visit Finland, in cooperation with the Finnish Environment Institute, has launched the Baltic Sea Commitment to strengthen the tourism industry’s actions for the benefit of the sea so that the impacts of tourism on the sensitive marine area can be identified and directed in a sustainable direction. It aims to provide concrete tools, instructions and examples that companies can use to influence the well-being of the Baltic Sea.

Further information: https://www.visitfinland.fi/ajankohtaista/uutiset/2026/itameresta-koko-suomen-matkailun-yhteinen-asia/

Intrepid Travel has launched a new global purpose platform, developed in close collaboration with local teams around the world to help travellers better understand their trip’s social, environmental and economic impact. The Intrepid Effect is a move towards showing the real-world outcomes of travel as frameworks such as the EU Green Claims Directive and updated B Corp minimum standards reshape how companies communicate environmental and social impact, with greater emphasis on transparency, accountability and evidence.

Further information: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/the-intrepid-effect

Tourism Australia has released their first Sustainability Framework designed to clarify their role in advancing sustainability across the visitor economy and to provide transparency across activities. The framework outlines two strategic priorities advocating for a sustainable destination and embedding ESG excellence within operations which guide actions and decision-making. Building on the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy, it sets out how Tourism Australia will support the industry’s shared ambition for Australia to become a global leader in sustainable tourism.

Further information: https://www.tourism.australia.com/content/dam/digital/corporate/documents/sustainability-framework-2026.pdf

National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions has released its 2025/26 Traveler Impact Report which details the initiatives to advance marine conservation, climate research, education and community programs worldwide. In 2025, the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund invested $3.03 million across 36 conservation, science, education, and storytelling projects worldwide. The fund supports critical ocean conservation, wildlife protection, and community education projects around the world including the Galápagos, Baja California, the South Pacific, Southeast Alaska, and Japan.

Further information: https://au.expeditions.com/landing/impact-report

Sustainable Ecotourism Awareness is a project focusing on integrating sustainability, environmental responsibility, and market needs within the tourism sector through vocational education and training. The project aims to empower businesses, workers, and educational organisations with the necessary skills and tools to transition to more sustainable, low-carbon, and resource-efficient business models. Topics range from green certifications and environmental management to stakeholder engagement and cross-border knowledge exchange.

Further information: https://www.sustainable-ecotourism-awareness.eu/

The Slovenian Tourist Board has awarded 50 Slovenia Green labels, reflecting the country’s long-term commitment to sustainable tourism development and responsible destination management. The labels are awarded to destinations, accommodation providers, parks, attractions, travel agencies and restaurants across the country. For travellers, it offers a trusted guide to experiences that respect nature, local communities and cultural heritage while delivering the high-quality, boutique experiences. The Slovenia Green Scheme now connects 53 destinations and more than 230 tourism providers across Slovenia.

Further information: https://www.slovenia.info/en/press-centre/press-releases/37966-50-slovenia-green-labels-awarded-as-slovenia-strengthens-its-position-as-a-leading-sustainable-tourism-destination

Booking.com has released its 11th annual research report into consumer attitudes and understanding of the social and environmental impact of travel. The Travel and Sustainability Report 2026 shows that while generations may have different understandings of what constitutes more sustainable travel, adapting to extreme weather and actively avoiding crowds are now norms at all ages. The research was independently conducted among an online sample of 32,500 respondents across 35 countries and territories.

Further information: https://news.booking.com/bookingcoms-latest-travel-and-sustainability-research-reveals-unexpected-generational-paradox/

The Adventure Travel Trade Association has released a new research series, supported by EF Adventures and CBI, which examines how adventure travel continues to evolve beyond its traditional niche in four major outbound regions of North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The research highlights a broad majority of travellers are willing to incorporate active, cultural, or nature-based experiences into their journeys, even when adventure is not the primary purpose of the trip.

Further information: https://www.adventuretravelnews.com/atta-research-highlights-four-major-outbound-markets-driving-adventure-travel-growth

Lemongrass, with the help of industry insiders and journalists, has released research looking ahead at the ideas shaping travel in the year to come and beyond. The 2026 Lemongrass Travel Trends Report identifies key shifts in traveller behaviour, industry practices, and emerging travel trends. It also identifies 16 travel themes from how politics are impacting U.S. travel, ways travel is becoming more personalised, and the role of A.I. in sustainability efforts.

Further information: https://www.lemongrassmarketing.com/about-us/trend-report

The Global Summit of Responsible Enotourism (Wine Tourism) will be held for the first time in Beja, Portugal from 31 May to 3 June 2026. The event will attract participants including wine producers, tour operators, and public bodies, to investors and academics from the wine sector.

Further information: https://www.2026gwtosummitalentejo.com/

The 56th Annual Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference will be held in Greenville, South Carolina from 24-26 June 2026.It brings together destination leaders, researchers, and industry innovators to explore how collaboration can drive smarter strategy, stronger performance, and long-term tourism resilience.

Further information: https://ttra.com/events/56th-annual-ttra-international-conference/

The Adventure Travel World Summit will be held in Québec City, Canada from 14-17 September 2026. The event brings together the global tourism community for business development, industry insights, and global, meaningful connections shaping the future of adventure travel.

Further information: https://events.adventuretravel.biz/summit/quebec-2026

The 10th World Trails Conference will be held in Perth from 19-22 October 2026. The event will bring together global leaders in trails, tourism, land management, conservation, Aboriginal engagement and academia to share best practice and innovation in trail development and management.

Further information: https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/be6aa61f-0b01-4cb2-8aa9-f072c032c0bf/summary

The third annual Agritourism Summit will be held in the Tweed Region in New South Wales from 20-21 October 2026. It will feature an aqua agritourism stream, as well as interactive sessions, and access to innovative farm- and water-based tourism experiences.

Further information: https://agritourismsummit.org/

The Green Destinations Conference will be held in Kranj, Slovenia from 27-29 October 2026. The event will see experts, decision-makers, and innovators from across the globe all united by one goal to shape a more responsible and resilient future for tourism. F

urther information: https://gd2026.greendestinations.org/

The Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference will be held in Perth at Optus Stadium from 3-5 November 2026. The conference is a meeting place for Aboriginal tourism operators, retailers, academics and agencies to connect, collaborate and grow the future of Indigenous and cultural tourism in Australia.

Further information: https://www.aitc.org.au/