ECO Destinations live stream 2020 Global Eco Conference while tailoring region-specific onsite programs

In holding a mini-conference style event, 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 while also tailoring an onsite program to suit their region. Local speakers, interactive workshops and panel discussions are potential add-ons to the live stream.

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.  

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.

Coffs Harbour City Council Industry and Destination Development Section Leader, Fiona Baren advises "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.

"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 and added “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.

“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.”

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Rod Hillman notes “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.”

Regions have the opportunity to host a Satellite Node ‘mini-conference’ by live streaming in their destination with the support from Ecotourism Australia and the conference conveners.

If you would like to find out how a Global Eco live stream can be arranged in your destination, contact Conference Manager, Mette Nielsen on 047 474 773.

The 2020 Conference will seek to take stock of the events, and more importantly look at how the sector can be rebuilt given the multiple impacts it has endured. The full program of the conference can be viewed at Global Eco Asia-Pacific Program. 

For more information on the ECO Destination Certification program click here