Day Three of the Global Eco Conference, Wednesday 9 November, will feature Theme Stream Workshops. Each Theme Stream is designed around a specific topic and its intend is to offer delegates the opportunity for optimal delegate interaction and discussion whilst at the same time providing delegates with the latest practical information and best practice case studies.

Managing and Marketing the Tourism Experience
Tourism: a strategic partnership for protected areas
Urban Ecotourism: greening the destination

Managing and Marketing the Tourism Experience
The demand for quality experiences has become a major focus of the global tourism industry.

It is no longer enough for tourism destinations to compete by simply promoting their facilities, amenities and tangible products - the tourism industry must explore how it can successfully market the entire travel ‘experience’ to create lasting and unique memories for its guest.

Ecotourism has long recognised the connection between the quality of the tourism product and the experience that is provided. But to continue to achieve a competitive edge, ecotourism enterprises must discover new ways that they can differentiate their ‘eco’ experiences and diversify from other products and businesses that claim to be ‘green’ and ‘eco-friendly’.

International and national marketing, technology and distribution leaders will assist delegates to seize the potential of ecotourism and to provide insights into how the eco sector can optimise ‘experience’ marketing.

Tourism: a strategic partnership for protected areas
Seizing the potential of strategic partnerships in delivering tourism in protected areas is vital. Stakeholders form partnerships in order to maximise the potential of a project and to benefit from the collective strengths that partners bring to the relationship. Not all of the interests align and the key is to form partnerships that seize the potential whilst being true to the primary objectives of all stakeholders involved. What are the successful formulas, how do partnerships evolve, what are the essential safeguards, what are the business benefits? Industry professionals responsible for creating successful partnerships will give an expert insight into the strategies for establishing, managing, succeeding and ensuring the longevity of collaborations in tourism.

This Theme Stream will feature a Private Sector Accommodation in National Parks and Protected Areas snapshot which focuses on Glamour camping - glamping, wilderness safari tents, luxury eco lodges – they are a far cry from the humble camp ground. What is the market for these products? Do they need to be on National Parks? What are the latest technologies that can be applied? This is a topic close to the hearts of protected area managers, conservationists and tourism operators alike. It is time to reinvent the traditional camping ground? Do the old style camping sites meet the needs of today’s consumer? What can we learn from overseas and regional examples? Protected Area managers nationwide and region wide are coming to terms with this issue. This snapshot will seek active debate of the topic – an importantly seek innovative solutions and case studies which can inform future policy making and practice

Urban Ecotourism: geeening the destination
Ecotourism does not have to start at the city limits. Villages, towns and cities are so often the foundations of our communities. Cultural dimensions can and do thrive in urban areas. Natural heritage too can thrive with good practices. Sustainable cities, eco-cities bring together the essential elements of environmental sustainability, culture and nature. Ecotourism can thrive in such a setting. Sydney, its harbour and foreshores, and its surrounding protected areas provides great inspiration for this topic. How can towns and cities reach out to eco and experiential travellers? What can regional towns and cities do to build their place in this market? How can Indigenous Tourism thrive in this space? What is the role of the local community in delivering an authentic urban ecotourism experience? Clever recycling of city infrastructure into sustainable tourism and ecotourism ventures can fastrack the development of a city destination into an urban ecotourism destination. Urban Ecotourism involves the whole of the community as owners, investors, hosts and guides and is seen as an ongoing opportunity to contribute to biodiversity conservation and preserving cultural heritage.