Anti Wave International
Anti Wave International is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave International is proud of its…
read moreQueenstown has won a bid to host the 2020 International Adventure Conference in December next year, an event that will bring leading tourism researchers to the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.
The winning bid was presented by Dr Susan Houge Mackenzie on behalf of her team from the University of Otago, Queenstown Resort College, and the Otago Polytechnic Institute of Sport and Adventure.
Dr Houge Mackenzie, a lecturer in the Department of Tourism at the University of Otago and a member of the World Tourism Forum, commented “Queenstown’s global reputation as an adventure tourism hub made it a stand-out choice for the Adventure Tourism Research Association (ATRA).
“Thanks to the support of Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme, we have been able to bring a landmark event for tourism research to New Zealand. International researchers are excited to be meeting here to exchange ideas and perspectives on adventure tourism.
“Queenstown is an ideal place for adventure tourism researchers, operators and policy makers to engage. The conference will focus on bringing academics and practitioners together to share their challenges and innovations, foster connections, and identify synergies. Our aim is to ensure symbiotic benefits for the local community and international delegates. We hope local practitioners and policy makers will benefit from international perspectives and expertise, and our international delegates in turn want to learn about Queenstown’s unique approaches to adventure tourism.”
Dr Houge Mackenzie says the conference will have a strong emphasis on sustainable development goals and how adventure tourism can help support and work to meet these at both an international and local level.
ATRA co-founder, Professor Peter Varley based in Sogndal, Norway, says he is delighted to be collaborating with the conference hosts in New Zealand.
Professor Varley advised “it’s a tremendous opportunity for the adventure tourism community to have this conference in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. Queenstown has a rightful claim to be the premier adventure tourism destination globally. It is a very fitting setting for our conference, which routinely attracts a diverse international audience to discover and debate the burning issues which shape the industry.”
When delegates, mostly from Europe, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and North America, arrive in December next year the Queenstown Resort College (QRC) will be their local host venue for the academic sessions.
With the conference aligning with and supporings QRC's growing research agenda, the event will be supported by students and staff from the Institute of Sport and Adventure, based in Cromwell, and local tourism operators.
Securing the 9th annual International Adventure Conference for Queenstown was the result of a successful collaboration with Queenstown Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand Business Events, who helped produce the bid.
Dr Houge Mackenzie added “thanks to the generous support of Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme, we have been able to attract an international tourism research event to New Zealand. International researchers are excited to meet in this globally-recognised adventure tourism destination and Tourism New Zealand have provided excellent support throughout this process.”
Queenstown Convention Bureau Business Development Director, Kiran Nambiar says the impact of this event will go beyond the economic value of hosting high-value visitors to the region.
He advied “it also fosters and grows the expertise and knowledge within our community and allows us to share insights with our international peers.
“Being selected to host such a significant event in Queenstown, the home of adventure tourism, is a great win for the region and its business events industry. The unique combination of innovative adventure and nature-based activities in Queenstown paralleled with the impressive landscapes is sure to make this an inspirational event for international delegates.”
ATRA is a membership organisation that seeks to bring together an academic and practitioner community around core areas of interest in adventure tourism and outdoor recreation, from guiding or participating in nature-based tourism to adventure education and therapy. The aim is to create a forum for the dissemination of research into adventure tourism, its key dimension being the dynamic between theorists and practitioners, which is crucial to keeping the research cutting-edge and industry-relevant.
Co-ordinated by the Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research in the Highlands of Scotland, ATRA was established at the second International Adventure Conference in 2013. Since then, the conference hosting has rotated to countries as diverse as Norway, Ireland and Spain.
Click here for event details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.
Images: Paragliding from Bob's Peak, Queenstown (top) and Dr Susan Houge Mackenzie (below).
1st March 2019 - Skyline Queenstown gets approval for $100 million plus redevelopment
12th November 2018 - Dunedin to host 2022 World Leisure Congress
13th May 2018 - Adventure Travel Trade Association shares report on trends in adventure tourism
8th November 2017 - New research shows adventure travellers’ relationship with risk
17th November 2016 - Australia and New Zealand ranked among top adventure tourism destinations
15th March 2016 - World-first App to unite adventure travellers around the world
11th December 2015 - International Adventure Travel Guide Qualification and Performance Standard launched
13th May 2014 - Adventure tourism conference focuses on change, challenge and opportunity
8th May 2013 - TIANZ highlights improved safety in New Zealand adventure tourism
7th May 2013 - More robust culture needed for New Zealand adventure tourism
28th January 2013 - Adventure tourism operators win ACC levy cuts
4th November 2012 - ATTA and UNWTO to advance responsible adventure travel
27th April 2011 - Adventure tourism operators contribute to safety plans
25th May 2010 - Safety in New Zealand adventure tourism
Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Anti Wave International is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave International is proud of its…
read moreTim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…
read moreDigonex is a leading provider of customised dynamic pricing solutions to clients in arts and entertainment, sport, attractions, cultural institutions and retail sectors. Digonex’s technology is…
read moreCommercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…
read moreAs of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd. Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing. 19th July 2018 - ENTA…
read moreHadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…
read moreCentaman has been a market leader in Enterprise Software Solutions for the leisure and recreation industry and both profit and not-for-profit attractions since 1991. It offers a wide range of software…
read moreTJS Services is a leading national facility services provider. We deliver quality cleaning, maintenance, construction and facility management services to over 1,500 sites Australia wide. Our…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!