Bundaberg in Queensland and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales are the first host locations to sign up for live streaming of the 2020 Global Eco Conference in a Satellite Node format.
With the constraints on travel associated with COVID-19, the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference will for the first time offer a live-streamed program. This will run in addition to the live conference being staged at the HEART in Margaret River, Western Australia.
In a mini-conference style event, Bundaberg and Coffs Harbour will live-stream the Global Eco Conference and tailor an onsite program to suit their region. Local speakers, interactive workshops and panel discussions are potential add-ons to the live stream.
The local Satellite Node format provides an exciting opportunity for local tourism industry providers and supporters of ecotourism to hear from internationally renowned speakers and network within the ecotourism community – all without the travel and expenses of attending a full conference.
Bundaberg and Coffs Harbour are both working on obtaining certification as participants of the ECO Destination Certification program. The ECO Destination Certification program assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences within the region.
The Satellite Node format of the Global Eco Conference event is just one way each destination is working to bring ecotourism to the forefront and support sustainable tourism within their region.
“Registering for, and presenting the Global Eco program in our region, gives us a unique opportunity to consolidate a strong alliance with stakeholders and relevant operators here on the Coffs Coast”, said Fiona Baren, Section Leader, Industry and Destination Development at Coffs Harbour City Council.
“We will use this opportunity to deliver some of our own in-person workshops to coincide with the digital program, offering a local perspective to some of the fantastic talks featured within the Global Eco program.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was exciting to see the region selected as a Satellite Node for the global conference. “Eco destination certification is an important goal the Bundaberg Region is working towards so it’s pleasing to have this opportunity to be a satellite host for the Global Eco Conference,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“We are so blessed with a wide variety of natural wonders in the Bundaberg Region and as a Satellite Node our local businesses and tourism operators have this valuable opportunity to learn about the benefits of ecotourism.”
The 2020 Conference will seek to take stock of the events, and more importantly, look at how we can rebuild the sector given the multiple impacts that it has endured. The full program of the conference can be viewed at Global Eco Asia-Pacific Program.
“We are excited for our ECO Destinations to be hosting Satellite Nodes throughout the country. This offers the regions an opportunity to increase the conversation about Ecotourism in their destination and to network and connect with the broader industry and our various Ecotourism Australia members,” said Rod Hillman, Chief Executive of Ecotourism Australia.