Conference focuses on change, challenge and opportunity

Adventure tourism conference focuses on change, challenge and opportunity

Adventure tourism operators are experiencing a period of change and this is reflected in the theme for The Great Adventure 2014: Change, challenge and opportunity.

The Great Adventure, a one-day conference taking place in Wellington on 19-20 June, will bring together the adventure and outdoor sector at a time when many operators are preparing for the new regulatory regime being implemented from 1 November 2014.

The programme will begin with a networking function at the Grand Hall at Parliament on the evening on Thursday 19 June, followed by a full day of presentations and workshops on Friday 20 June. The event is organised by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

“We have an excellent line-up of speakers who will bring the theme of ‘Change, challenge and opportunity’ to life,” TIA Acting Chief Executive Chris McGeown says.

The keynote speaker is World Expeditions CEO Sue Badyari who will provide an international perspective to the changing face of adventure tourism. World Expeditions specialises in trekking, travel and adventure holidays on seven continents.

Other speakers will include Minister of Labour Simon Bridges, and representatives from the regulatory authorities in the adventure tourism sector – the Civil Aviation Authority, Maritime New Zealand and WorkSafe NZ.

Delegates will be able to attend two of the three breakout sessions which will focus on:

• Content Marketing with online media specialist Megan Singleton
•
• Creating ‘Nimble’ Businesses with Crowe Horwath business consultant Tracy McElroy-Rivett
•
• Understanding the Chinese FIT (free independent traveller) with Mark Frood of Auckland International Airport.

Other sessions include an update to the adventure sector on the upcoming changes to the Health and Safety Act, a discussion about how to manage travellers’ expectations of instant communication in the outdoors, and the interface between the Department of Conservation and adventure tourism.

“We are really excited about the strong and relevant speaker programme. There is something for everyone and I’m sure every adventure tourism operator will take away valuable tips for their business,” Mr McGeown says.

Early bird registrations are available until Friday 23 May. To register and for more details about the event, go to www.tianz.org.nz/main/The_Great_Adventure

The Great Adventure is being sponsored by the Department of Conservation.

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