‘GREEN' AUSTRALIA HIGHLIGHTED AT NEW YORK EVENT
Tourism Australia joined forces with US publishing powerhouse Conde Nast last night with a special ‘Planet Oz' event which profiled Australia's credentials as one of the world's top eco-tourism destinations.
TA Managing Director Geoff Buckley set the tone by challenging a growing global perception that travel is detrimental to the environment and something to feel guilty about.
"The global tourism industry has been at the centre of considerable debate about the impact of travel on the environment. In actual fact, air travel contributes to just 4% of carbon emissions.
"But these issues of climate change and environmental degradation provide an opportunity for Australia, not just a challenge.
"Australia is one of the world's top green and nature destinations. We lead the world in developing green tourism and we have consistently recognized the importance of protecting our unique environment. Tourism has, by and large, been a very powerful force for good by ensuring people and governments value our natural and cultural assets and work to protect them.
Mr Buckley said the concept of responsible tourism would be the guiding principal for Australia's industry over the decades ahead.
Aden Ridgeway, Executive Director of Indigenous Tourism Australia, an arm of Tourism Australia, talked about the emerging development and interest in Indigenous tourism and importance of story telling.
"It's crucial for our Aboriginal communities to preserve our traditions and culture by telling our stories; tourism is a great vehicle for that.
"There are now more than 320 operators that specialize in providing authentic Aboriginal tours, walks and cultural experiences. Tourists can even stay with an Aboriginal community and go hunting and fishing.
“We want to share our story with you,” said Mr Ridgeway.
Australian Tourism Ambassador, Terri Irwin, gave an animated account of how she fell in love with both Australia and late husband Steve Irwin.
"Australia is the only country I ever visited where I felt instantly at home and didn't want to leave."
Terri's appearance at the Planet Oz event capped off a ten day media tour of the U.S promoting Australia as a tourism destination.
Planet Oz provided an opportunity for Australian tourism operators specializing in nature-based and eco-tourism experiences to showcase their products to around 100 trade and consumer media, and travel agents.
The event also coincided with the publication of a 16 page special edition in Conde Nast's leading travel magazine ‘Traveler'. The 16 page feature, on Australia's one of a kind escapes to its World Heritage listed regions, appears in the January 08 issue of the magazine.
Mr Buckley said the promotion of Australia's World Heritage areas in the US mirrored a current campaign in Japan.
"Our World Heritage areas are one of our greatest assets as we ramp up promotion of Australia as a green and eco-friendly destination," he said.
Australian tourism operators participating in the Conde Nast event included:
Exceptional Kangaroo Island (SA)
Sydney Opera House (NSW)
Island and the GBR
The Rainforest and GBR (QLD)
The Sunshine Way (QLD)
Hayman Island (QLD)
Australia Zoo (QLD)
Cable Beach Club Resort (WA)
North Star Cruises (WA)
Voyages El Questro (WA)
Cradle Huts (TAS)
Overland Track (TAS)
Voyages General (National)
Indigenous Tourism Australia (General – National)
The event formed part of the annual G'Day USA campaign which wraps up with a black tie gala in New York on Australia Day, January 26.
Tourism Australia is a founding partner in G'Day USA. G'Day USA is produced by the Los Angeles and New York offices of DFAT, Tourism Australia, Austrade and Qantas Airways.
Press contact for further information and images from the event – Zoë Shurgold, + 1 310 283 9745 or zshurgold@tourism.australia.com
January 26, 2008
Posted in: Australia