Ecotourism Australia Global Eco conference| 2020 Review
Ciao! I am back sharing news from one of my favourite destinations and places worldwide. Also, the update is from one of my favourite organisation of sustainable tourism sector: Ecotourism Australia. Without further ado please read and enjoy the conference review.
“2020 has proven a critical time for the tourism industry. With the massive disruption through the bushfires of 2019 followed by the universally devastating impact of COVID-19, there has never been a more important time to come together, draw on the collective strengths to reassess, reflect and recover.
Ecotourism Australia’s Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference, was held 1-3 December 2020 in Margaret River, Western Australia, one of Ecotourism Australia’s sixteen aspiring ECO Destinations.
Now in its 28th year, the conference drew on the theme “Revolution, Driving Evolution” and opened up the opportunity to take stock, review and reassess the industry and its path forward, giving voice to a diversity of players who offer fresh and innovative industry perspectives.
Due to travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19, Global Eco offered for the first time both live and virtual attendance options. Additionally, a total of five applicant ECO Destinations across the country played host to the live streamed program as a mini conference ‘satellite node’ for their region.
Over three days, more than 220 delegates representing all states of Australia and five different countries heard from leaders and innovators in ecotourism academia, industry and governance.
Day 1 at Global Eco 2020 kicked off with delegates and attendees tuning in to the HEART, Margaret River from right across the country. Bundaberg, QLD’s satellite node hosted a “Launch into Ecotourism” breakfast as a networking opportunity for their attendees.
Delegates were inspired by Craig Wickham (Exceptional Kangaroo Island) and the audience took stock on ‘Surviving the Impacts of Natural Disasters and Pandemics’ with Amy Carter-James and Lee Miezis (Bushfire Recovery Victoria) and Sonia Beckwith (Live Ningaloo). Later in the day, insights were gained from the CEO Forum featuring Peter Sharp (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, WA), Lisa Shreeve (Busselton Jetty), Alexandra Burt (The Landsmith Collection) and Phillipa Harrison (Tourism Australia).
Day 2 of the conference saw continued activity in the satellite nodes on the Central Coast (NSW), Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island, QLD), Bundaberg (QLD) and Townsville (QLD). Coffs Coast joined in, streaming Day 2 from the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.
The morning kicked off with two morning parallel plenary sessions: ‘Ecotourism Post COVID-19’ and ‘Best Practices in WA Ecotourism.
After lunch came the ‘Inspire’ keynote, delivered by Gary Muir (WOW Wilderness Ecocruises). Gary Muir was recognised as an Eco-guide in 1998 when the Global Eco Conference was last held in Margaret River. Now, 22 years later, he has built an incredible career, having delivered his special brand of environmental interpretation to thousands of people as an ecotourism operator and educator.
Innes Larkin (Mt Barney Lodge), Rod Quartermain (Tina Smitherman Consultants) and Dr Erika Jacobson (Edgewalkers) spoke in the ‘Forum of Revolutionary Ideas’.
The last session of the day focussed on ‘New Alliances, New Paths’ and featured Professor Ross Dowling AM (Edith Cowan University) Professor Brent Ritchie (The University of Queensland) and Louise Cashmore (Origins Market).
To top it off, conference delegates in Western Australia enjoyed a beautiful dinner at Voyager Estate in the Margaret River region, and attendees of the Coffs Coast satellite node finished the day with industry networking drinks.
Day 3 began with two morning parallel plenary streams ‘Evolving Ecotourism and ECO Destinations’ and ‘Best Practices in WA Ecotourism. Additionally, the attendees of the Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island, QLD) satellite node experienced an insightful cultural tour of Goompi (Dunwich).
The afternoon session focussed on Indigenous Ecotourism and featured Cameron Costello (Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation), Rosie Sandover and Rebecca Sampi (Kingfisher Tours); and Robert Taylor (WAITOC).
Anna Pollock presented virtually from the United Kingdom providing the third and final of our ‘Inspire’ keynotes. Anna is known around the world for her 40+ years’ work in sustainable tourism and her Conscious Travel movement. At Global Eco, she spoke about regenerative tourism.
Alexandra Burt (The Landsmith Collection) and Dermot O’Gorman (WWF-Australia) discussed the topic of ‘Evolving Ecotourism’ in the last keynote session before the conference close.
To view the presentations given at this years’ Global Eco Conference, click here.“
Reference:
https://globaleco.com.au/
https://www.ecotourism.org.au/
The 27th Ecotourism Australia Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference
Congratulations to Cairns Pullman Reef Hotel and Convention Centre to host Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference.
Ecotourism Australia’s 27th annual Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference will be staged at the Pullman Reef Hotel and Convention Centre in Cairns in December.
The Global Eco Conference, which will this year be built around the theme of ‘Essential Evolution’, attracts some 250 delegates from the Asia-Pacific region and Australia, bringing together operators, tourism commissions, protected area managers and other industry professionals.
Within the Cairns region there are close to 100 ECO certified operators – showcasing the region’s strong focus on delivering best practice visitor experiences that benefit the local community and the world class natural assets on which the industry depends.
According to Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman, delegates will be spoilt for choice when selecting pre-conference tours:
“Between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland, this region arguably contains the greatest concentration of high-quality ecotourism operators on the planet.”
The three-day event will be held from 2-4 December and has been strongly supported by the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Sara
Reference:
https://globaleco.com.au/
https://www.pullmancairnsinternational.com.au/
https://www.ecotourism.org.au/
Ecotourism Australia partners with the WTO of the United Nations
Congratulations to the colleagues at Ecotourism Australia. Just announced the partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The work of colleagues always inspires and motivate me. I can see the still long path I and Italian colleagues have ahead to achieve similar results, but it also shows me the possibilities we have in front of us! There is so much still to do, that any starting point is good, even a small Travel Mind group based in Lake Como area!
Here is the press release I received from the head office in Queensland, Australia.
Ecotourism Australia has signed an historic partnership agreement with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in February, cementing its position as a global leader in the field of sustainable and nature-based tourism and setting the stage for increased collaboration between the two organizations.
The partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Ecotourism Australia Chair Dr. Claire Ellis, sets out key areas of collaboration including:
- Exchanging information on how national policies promote nature-based tourism and ecotourism
- The collection, compilation, and analysis of statistics on nature-based tourism and ecotourism
- Cooperation on other areas such as UNWTO’s activities in South Pacific countries in relation to sustainability, nature-based tourism, and climate change
“Ecotourism Australia is working closely with Australia’s nature-based tourism operators, destinations, protected area management agencies and government to help deliver social and environmental improvements to our regions, said Dr. Ellis.
“As global tourism grows, sustainability in our sector is more important than ever.
“With our increased focus on climate action, destination-wide certification and pursuing partnerships to deliver things that really matter to our members, we are excited to be entering into this partnership with the world’s leading tourism authority and look forward to working closely together over the coming months.”
The partnership will also be an opportunity for Australia to re-engage with UNWTO, the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of sustainable development through tourism.
“Tourism regularly outgrows the world economy and international trade. We not only have the responsibility to face up to the development challenge, but we also have a real opportunity to deliver. UNWTO is very happy to partner with Ecotourism Australia to further advance tourism as a partner of the three pillars of sustainability – environment, economy, and society,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.
As Australia’s ecotourism industry’s national advocate and standard setter, Ecotourism Australia continues to work closely with its international and national partner organizations to deliver world-leading certification programs and drive value for its members.
- For more information about Ecotourism Australia, visit the Ecotourism Australia website.
- For more information about UNWTO, visit the UNWTO website
Townsville will host Global Eco Conference 2018
Hello, today I am sharing about the 26th Global Eco Conference , my experience in 2013 in Noosa as staff member of this conference was great, it was one of the most interesting experience ever, so I keep following it, checking and sharing news about it and Ecotourism Australia.
The 22nd of February 2018 Queensland Tourism minister Kate Jones announces Townsville will host Global Eco Conference 2018.
The Southern Hemisphere’s largest ecotourism conference will be held in Townsville and focused on the Great Barrier Reef following a strong bid from the Queensland Government to host the event in 2018.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said Ecotourism Australia’s Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference would be held at Rydges from November 26 to 28 and was tipped to bring up to 300 of the world’s best authorities on ecotourism to Townsville.
“We couldn’t be happier to have this important conference back in our great state and to focus on the jewel in the crown of Queensland tourism – the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is focused on capitalising on the unique ecotourism opportunities we have here in Queensland.
“We’re starting from a great base. Ecotourism supports 4600 jobs in this state but we know that number could be larger.
“That’s what this conference is about – getting the best minds together to spark debate about how we can get the balance right and leverage our natural assets.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said Queensland’s world class national parks, marine parks and World Heritage Areas played an important role in ecotourism.
“Queensland National Parks attract more than 58 million domestic and international visitors each year and already we have steps in place to transform our national parks into ecotourism drawcards,” Ms Enoch said.
“Under the Queensland Ecotourism Plan and our National Parks’ ecotourism framework, our Government is working on premium ecotourism experiences that will build on our vision of Queensland being a recognised ecotourism destination while also protecting our beautiful natural environment.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring we get the balance right.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the conference was first in Townsville in 2006 and said its return in 2018 was a great win for the local tourism industry.
“Townsville’s natural beauty is what makes so many visitors consistently pick our great city as their preferred place to holiday,” he said.
“We need to help local business to take advantage of our strengths and input from the experts will help us to get the balance right.”
Ecotourism Australia is the peak body for ecotourism in the nation and the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism conference has been the go-to event for ecotourism and sustainability in the tourism industry since its inception in 1991.
Ms Jones said the Queensland Government was a strong supporter of the conference which was last held in Queensland in 2013.
“We need to work with all of our partners to make the most of the natural beauty of our national parks and the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.
“We’ve already made ecotourism development easier through our Ecotourism Development Toolkit and now we’re working to improve experiences in our national parks and find new ways for visitors to enjoy our unique natural assets.”
Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman said Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef were internationally recognised ecotourism icons.
“Having Ecotourism Australia’s 2018 Global Eco conference here in Queensland is a clear statement that Queensland’s Government is serious about the benefits that ecotourism can bring to the State, its regions and its communities.
“We look forward to bringing the world to Queensland to showcase the amazing efforts and achievements of the ecotourism industry and Queensland’s incredible nature.”
The Conference is also supported by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville Enterprise Limited and Sustainable Townsville Limited.
Townsville Enterprise Director – Tourism and Events Bridget Woods said securing the conference was a significant coup for the region.
“Townsville Enterprise is thrilled to assist in bringing the 2018 Global Eco Conference to Townsville through funding supplied by the Townsville North Queensland Bid Fund,” said Ms Woods.
“Hosting the premier event of Ecotourism Australia provides our region the opportunity to showcase its outstanding environmental tourism experiences and facilities to the best ecotourism operators and tourism professionals in the world.
“The conference will also have a significant impact on our local economy, generating over $300,000 by the 250 event attendees, many of whom will be international delegates”.
Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447
Rod Quartermain Awarded with the Honorary Lifetime Membership - 2018
Sustainable Tourism World news: I am sharing this news for many reasons, the most important is sharing a professional experience, that can be example for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the industry.
Also I like to help spread the word about Ecotourism Australia and its work, EA doesn’t need any help, but I appreciate their efforts and initiatives, so I am happy to tell to you my dear readers a bit about the organisation with each media release.
Finally I always find news about professionals I met during my experience in Brisbane, Australia. I learnt I lot from them and I am happy to share with you their names and some information.
Today’s news:
Rod Quartermain was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Ecotourism Australia at the Global Eco Conference in Adelaide for his many years of contributions to the organisation.
The accolade was only the third to be presented in Ecotourism Australia’s history; the only other two recipients – Tony Charters AM (from Tony Charters and Associates) and Professor Ross Dowling OAM (Edith Cowan University) receiving theirs in 2016 and 2013 respectively.
Mr Quartermain’s involvement with Ecotourism Australia and ecotourism more generally spans numerous decades: He was a Director on EA’s board for 4 years and Manager of the Tourism and Property Branch for the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife between 1998 to 2017. He also held the role of Chairman for the Tourism and Protected Areas Forum (TAPAF), which consists of representatives from across Australia’s protected areas and tourism agencies, for six years.
Prior to this, Mr Quartermain owned and partnered in a number of successful service and tourism businesses, was CEO at Fairbridge Western Australia, President of several regional tourism organisations and visitor centres and was nominated for the Premier’s Award for his management of remote ecotourism accommodation in national parks.
“I feel extremely humble to receive this honour, given the previous life members and the excellent work they have done for ecotourism and conservation,” said Mr Quartermain.
“Working with Ecotourism Australia has been a pleasure, given the board’s and members’ commitment to the industry.”
The announcement was made during the plenary sessions of the Global Eco Conference running in Adelaide from the 27th – 29th November 2017.
Global Eco Conference wraps up in Adelaide (2018)
Hello, today I am sharing about the 25th Global Eco Conference wrapping up in Adelaide. My experience in 2013 in Noosa as a staff member of this conference was great. It was one of the most interesting experiences ever, so I keep following it, checking and sharing news about it and Ecotourism Australia.
When delegates of the Global Eco Conference 2017 walked through Adelaide Zoo, they heard a zoo keeper asking a group of children, “Does anyone know what I mean when I say reduce, reuse, recycle?” It was obvious the conference organisers had chosen the right venue.
It was Ecotourism Australia’s 25th Global Eco Conference, the longest-running ecotourism conference in the world. This year’s theme, ‘ecotourism—transforming urban and regional tourism,’ aligned perfectly with the United Nations’ International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.
Held from the 27th – 29th November in Adelaide Zoo, South Australia, the conference brought together expert representatives from government, academia, protected area management, architecture, conservation, Indigenous groups and the environmental sector to address the big issues affecting ecotourism.
Keynote presenters from 11 countries spoke on diverse topics including conservation and wildlife, social license and philanthropy; sharing both success stories and struggles in their efforts to deliver ecologically sustainable tourism that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation around the world.
Conference convenor Tony Charters AM said the Adelaide Zoo and South Australia, as the hosts, proved to be excellent choices given Ecotourism Australia’s focus on privately funded conservation efforts, indigenous ecotourism and best practice wildlife ecotourism experiences.
Adelaide Zoo, as part of Zoos SA, is a conservation charity that has recently joined the elite ranks of Ecotourism Australia’s Advanced Ecotourism Certified Operators and Climate Action Leaders.
State-wide, tourism in South Australia currently supports 32,000 direct jobs and injects $6.3 billion into the economy. South Australia’s goal is to grow its tourism industry – especially its nature-based, or ecotourism industry – to generate 42,000 jobs and $8 billion in revenue by 2020.
For more information about how South Australia plans to utilise its nature tourism offerings to boost employment and income for the state, visit the South Australian Government’s “Nature Like Nowhere Else” Strategy and Action Plan, and its Nature-Based Tourism: New Business Opportunities 2017-18.
Closure of the Uluru climb - 2017
Ecotourism Australia supports the Traditional Owners’ announcement of the closure of the Uluru climb.
Sara Vitali, Sustainable Tourism World founder’s respect the decision and agree with it.
The Traditional Owners don’t want people to climb, the vast majority of visitors to Uluru choose not to climb, other experiences have been developed and the tourism industry has had at least a decade to prepare for the closure (and another year from now). This closure is an opportunity for visitors and the tourism industry to show respect and for new experiences to be developed which increase cultural understanding.
This closure is an opportunity for visitors and the tourism industry to show respect and for new experiences to be developed which increase cultural understanding. Already, tourism experiences such as six different walks around Uluru, five walks through Kata Tjuta, Segway Tours, a Fork and View Bus and Dining Tour as well as a large range of other activities from the Cultural Centre have been developed.
Are you interested to know more?
Ask #STouW by Sara Vitali about:
#sustainabletourism consultancy,
#socialmedia strategies for tourism sector & linked sustainable, responsible, green or eco businesses;
#sustainabledevelopment through tourism.
https://sustainabletourismworld.com/sara-vitali-stw-founder/