Sustainability is increasingly important for the global BE industry, and it’s a strategic priority for Tourism Australia. Its 2024 Consumer Demand Project research (discussed on p5) shows that sustainability credentials and practices are a key factor in destination choice and the country’s business events industry has already been doing a lot in the space to meet demand and make the events they deliver more sustainable.
Examples of this leadership include ICC Sydney calculating the carbon footprint of every core menu item, enabling lower impact food choices, and this year the venue says it will include full carbon ratings across its entire menu. Australia is blessed with natural wonders and events held at Cairns Convention Centre utilise the Reforest programme there to calculate their carbon footprint and offset it by planting trees in one of the many local reforestation projects.
And there are so many opportunities for visitors to give back while exploring Australia’s diverse destinations on incentive trips, too – through the ReefConnect programme, delegates visiting the Great Barrier Reef can become marine biologists for a day by undertaking hands-on underwater data collection. In Tasmania, groups can participate in special projects with Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a rescue centre. Just two of many examples.
Dive into the world’s oldest continuous living culture Australia can offer truly unique insights into the oldest continuous living culture on Earth. Dating back at least 60,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are one of the most distinct, unique and diverse aspects of the Australian story. Groups visiting Australia can discover, be energised by and learn from this ancient Indigenous heritage.
Robin Mack again: “Venues around Australia are developing tools and assets to make it simple for planners to create truly meaningful event experiences. For example, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre launched a First Peoples Engagement Guide to assist planners in creating culturally enriched events. The Guide includes a directory of Indigenous owned and operated BE suppliers and entrepreneurs, plus advice around organising a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country ceremony.”
From Indigenous-led tours to contemporary dance performances and exhibitions – there are hundreds of ways delegates can immerse themselves in Australia’s rich First Nations cultures. The Australia Next 2024 buyer groups all engaged with First Nation culture, options included dot painting art workshops, foraging hikes to learn about bush food and music masterclasses.
Only in Australia can groups see an animated Indigenous artwork come to life on the desert landscape in front of Uluru. Ayers Rock Resort in Australia’s Red Centre runs Sunrise Journeys, a memorable experience where groups can watch artwork in the night sky using cutting edge lasers and projection technology.
And only in Australia can groups marvel at the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and participate in its conservation efforts led by Indigenous Sea Ranger cultural guides. Splendour Tailored Tours is one operation offering visitors insights into native flora and gives groups the opportunity to work with local Aboriginal guides to prepare a picnic lunch over an open fire using native ingredients such as lemon myrtle, wattle seed and macadamia nut oil
