For all those tourism operators tired of attending conferences that fail to give practical solutions to the twin challenges of sustainability and climate change, finally, there’s an answer that won’t break the bank. Australia’s inaugural Destino Sustainable Tourism Conference is being held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. At a discounted cost of just $250 for ATEC and PATA Members or $400 for all others, it represents incredible value for a 2-day event!
As with other Destino events held overseas, Destino Australia offers first-hand accounts from tourism market leaders who are taking a hands-on approach to managing their environmental footprint and increasing efficiencies to help fatten profit margins. These people are at the forefront of a paradigm shift that is steadily changing how each industry, sector of government and community goes about their everyday business.
They are not scientists, sales people or venture capitalists. They are engineers, general managers, operations managers and auditors; people who are responsible for implementing change and strategising the best ways to position their organisations for growth in a carbon-constrained economy.
Sponsored by global giant Ecolab, Tourism Victoria and Destination Melbourne, Destino Australia presents a unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of some of the world’s leading businesses, exchange ideas and assess the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable operational practices.
Jon Dee, Founder & Chairman of Do Something! Founder of Planet Ark is keynote speaker and is sure to deliver a rousing speech. Some of Jon's initiatives have become role models for international change. He initiated the successful lobbying campaign for Australia's three year phase-out of incandescent light globes; an initiative that has been adopted by other countries. Jon has also spearheaded the highly successful media campaign to phase-out the use of plastic shopping bags in Australia
Day Two of the event sees a limited number of delegates visit a selection of Melbourne businesses that have been operating in a sustainable manner for a number of years. In the afternoon, delegates can join a famil to Geelong Otway to see how local businesses are lessening their environmental footprints and enjoy one of Victoria’s most beautiful regions along the way.
This hands-on approach to learning is included in the cost, as is lunch on Day One and a copy of Jon Dee’s new book about simple things to do to create sustainable workplaces.
EC3 Global is holding an Environmental Assessment Training Workshop at the Crowne Plaza in the afternoon of the 20th for those who seek to come away with a valuable new skill set. Although this is at an additional cost, the extra $150 (PATA and ATEC) or $220 (others), it’s unlikely to damage the hip pocket of any delegate and those lucky 15 who do take the course will come away with a certificate of achievement.
Destino Australia is likely to be a dynamic forum that will help delegates better understand the difference between being “green” or “eco” and being sustainable to an internationally recognised, verifiable standard.
To find out more and view the program of speakers, topics and training sessions, visit http://www.earthcheck.org/en-us/destino/aus.aspx
