We’re off to South Australia!
One of the most exciting announcements made at the recent Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference 2016 held in Hobart, was announcing South Australia as the host state for the 2017 Global Eco conference.
On hand to accept and acknowledge the announcement was South Australia’s Mr John Schutz, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) Group Executive Director Partnerships and Stewardships.
Global Eco is the leading conference for ecotourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference is held annually, with 2016 celebrating our 24th consecutive conference, and 25 years of Ecotourism Australia.
This year’s conference held at Hobart’s stunning Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) had presenters visiting from countries including New Zealand, Laos, the United States, Belgium, Kenya, and Thailand.
The program included a strong mix of regional, national and international speakers across a broad range of subjects, presenting many innovative activities and projects occurring in ecotourism, both in Australia and overseas - reflecting this year’s conference theme of ‘Fostering Innovation and Sustaining Excellence’.
“Ecotourism Australia is delighted to be heading to South Australia for our conference next year. It’s great to see the South Australian Government’s clear commitment to developing a strong and vibrant ecotourism Industry through its Nature Based Tourism Strategy. Our delegates are sure to appreciate the exciting new developments such as the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail and the new wildlife experiences” – said Rod Hillman, CEO of Ecotourism Australia.
2017 will be the fourth time that South Australia is hosting the conference, following previous events in 1996 on Kangaroo Island, 2003 in Adelaide and the Riverland region, and 2008 in Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Mr Hillman continued, “The recent agreement signed with the South Australia Tourism Industry Council (SATIC) cements South Australia as a key partner in supporting the ecotourism industry in Australia”.
Tourism in South Australia generates $5.9 billion of expenditure, and accounts for 6.5 million visitors and 31.5 million visitor nights (financial year 2015/16).
Ecotourism Australia remains as the world’s first National ecotourism organisation and eco-certification as the first certification program specifically designed to define ecotourism.
ECO certified members of Ecotourism Australia contribute substantially to the Australian tourism economy – with a combined annual revenue of over $1.2billion in 2015/16.
Further details about next year’s conference in South Australia, date and venue will be available early in 2017.
For more:
Rod Hillman, CEO
Ecotourism Australia
ceo@ecotourism.org.au
