This week TRC Tourism Janet Mackay, Penny Spoelder and Lisa Cheeseman are attending the ECO Think | Destination Forum on Gumbaynggirr Country. A variety of representatives from ECO Destinations, supporters of the ECO Destination program, Ecotourism Australia members and other sustainability and destination management experts are attending. The Forum is a chance to connect, share knowledge, learn from one another and be inspired to create sustainable change in our destinations. TRC Senior Associate Penny Spoelder was asked to be a keynote speaker under the topic of “Sustainability is in demand: now what?” Penny has been integral in leading TRC’s work with the small island nations in the Pacific. Penny recently prepared the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Framework for the Pacific Tourism Organisation consulting with 19 Pacific nations and global development partners. Penny has also been instrumental in developing Niue’s sustainable tourism plan and leading it through the sustainable tourism accreditation process. This work has contributed to Niue’s recognition as being one of the world’s Top 100 Sustainable Destinations and achievement of winning the ‘Islands and Seaside’ category at the globally recognised 2021 Green Destinations Story Awards.
