Ecotourism Australia’s 26th Annual Conference has focus points on the marketing, management and innovation of ecotourism along with the protection of natural and cultural assets such as indigenous sites and the Great Barrier Reef.
Biorock gives coral reefs a chance to bounce back. Thomas Goreau will be explaining how at 2018 Global Eco Asia-Pacific Conference. Courtesy GCRA
In 2018, the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Conference focuses on the evolving role of ecotourism in economic development, good conservation outcomes, and cultural understanding. It takes place from 26 to 28 November 2018 in Townsville, Queensland.
Ecotourism is often described as a ‘niche’ part of the industry, but it represents an estimated 25% of the Australian tourism industry. The Great Barrier Reef alone represents an economic, social and icon asset value of $56 billion. It supports 64,000 jobs and contributes $6.4 billion to the Australian economy’ (Deloitte, Access Economics, 2017). Ecotourism is the standard bearer for sustainable tourism and is being embraced by the mainstream industry.
This year, Global Eco Asia-Pacific will bring together the key players that can evolve this critical sector of the tourism industry – the operators, protected area managers, destination developers, applied researchers and destination marketers.
Event: Global Eco Asia-Pacific Conference
Dates: 26-28 November 2018
Venue: Rydges Southbank Convention Centre on Palmer Street, Townsville
Keynote speakers include Hon Patrick Faber, Deputy Prime Minister of Belize & Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Belize; Meaghan Scanlon MP, Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development, Queensland Government; Michael Groom, Renowned Adventurer and Mountain Climber; Dr Wendy Craik AM, Chair, Climate Change Authority; and Africa Berdonces, Freelance Naturalist Tour Guide, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Speakers include Katherine Zischka, Director, Australian Committee for IUCN Inc; Lizzie Corke, CEO, Conservation Ecology Centre; Andrew Flannery, Eco-Active Business Leader, Spicers Group And Turner Family Foundation; and Dr. Thomas Goreau, President, Global Coral Reef Alliance & Biorock Technology Inc.
There will also be a full day technical tour to two of Australia’s leading Reef Research and management organisations - the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
Registration is now open for tourism practitioners and stakeholders to this ecotourism conference. Check out the program for further information on the sessions and speakers.