Robert Irwin’s plea to travel industry: Spend tourism dollars on supporting the planet
Spend your tourism dollar wisely to protect the planet when travelling, TV personality, conservationist and wildlife advocate Robert Irwin told a fascinated audience in the final session of the 24th Global Summit World Travel & Tourism Council in Perth (Boorloo).
“When you’re travelling, think about where your money’s being spent,” he told host Greg O’Hara, founder and senior managing director or Certares, at the session on Thursday.
“The dollar generated by tourism and the awareness and the connection that is formed when you travel – those are the two things that I think are really, truly going to do a great thing for conservation to combat the massive issues that we have,” he said.
Irwin also said he was protecting a legacy established by both his father Steve and mother Terri who established Australia Zoo in Beerwah, north Queensland all those years ago.
“I look at my dad, and I think, wow, one person can really make a difference, but you can only make a difference if you can unify everyone around you. That’s the important thing,” he said.
“That’s the legacy for my dad that I want to continue, and that’s the legacy that I want to leave behind. You know, each of us in this room, we’re in a very connected world right now, especially in the tourism sector, and we are all giving people life changing experiences. That’s the legacy we all leave behind.”
Irwin also dressed the issues facing the planet right now, a hot topic at the Global Summit which was secured by the Roger Cook’s WA Government and held in Australia for the first time.
“It is undeniable, the issues facing our planet and we are going through absolutely the turning point for the natural world, for the human race,” Irwin said.
“We are going into a very tumultuous time. I think this is definitely a turning point, and we certainly do have the power to turn things around. But action needs to happen now. It needs to happen fast. It needs to happen in a big way, and we have to work towards unity rather than division, particularly when it comes to our environment.”
Irwin was also mirroring the sentiments expressed by former US Secretary of State John Kerry who addressed some 800 attendees and 80 global media who attended the three-day conference.
“I firmly believe tourism will change the world, because something my dad always used to say is people want to save the things that they love. People need to have a connection with wildlife, with the natural world,” Irwin said.
“It’s not only the awareness about visiting a place and understanding why the wildlife there needs protecting, but it’s also about the on the ground, walking the walk.”
Irwin senior’s legacy is that the once 4-acre property is now spread over 500,000 acres and, over the years has rescued 140,000 sick and injured animals, particularly koalas, that might have been hit by cars attacked by domestic animals suffering from disease habitat loss.
Supporters now include the likes of Russell Crowe and Seth McFarlane of Family Guy and Amercian Dad fame. But the Irwins also support their own projects such as the all-female Black Mamba anti-poaching squads in South Africa, to save the elephant and rhino.
But Irwin said the tide is turning towards a better future with the tourist dollars now able to save species, including the gorillas of Rwanda.
“The value of the gorilla is now on the living gorilla. People pay the money to go there and see the gorilla in the wild doing its thing exactly what it should be doing as the same thing here in Australia, we pay to come and see kangaroos jumping around,” he said.
“They come to see koalas. They come to see quokkas, of course, on Rottnest Island. And if we can find these mascots, these icons, in our region, then all of a sudden, we protect all the other wildlife there, and money can be spent on the ground where it matters most.”
The Irwins also work locally, outside of Australia Zoo, supporting various projects including protecting the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Island.
“We work a lot with them to cooperatively create a sense of urgency for eco tourism,” he said.
there is hope, and travel and tourism is the culmination of hope that just shows us what we’re fighting to protect.
“We want to try and set the benchmark and say, ‘here’s where we need to be. Let’s lift everyone up along with us. Let’s get to a point where we are really leading the charge here as a nation, here in Australia, and hopefully be an example for the rest of the world’.”
While Australia has largest mammalian extinction rate of anywhere else on Earth, Irwin says there much to be done to protect the planet and what is on it but he remains hopeful.
“It’s devastating, but it’s about showing people what we’ve got,” he says.
“It’s about saying, here’s the hope, here’s the beautiful koalas, the beautiful kangaroos, here’s the incredible untouched bushland and beaches. This is what we’re working to protect.
“Yes, you know, throughout the decades, as our planet has changed, we’ve lost a lot on a global scale, absolutely, but there is hope, and travel and tourism is the culmination of hope that just shows us what we’re fighting to protect.”
Feature image: Robert Irwin with Greg O’Hara, founder and senior managing director or Certares.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Robert Irwin The World Travel & Tourism Council wttcLatest News
Albury’s luxury boutique hotel, CIRCA 1928, is up for grabs
Luxury boutique hotel business CIRCA 1928, in the heart of the Albury’s CBD, is up for grabs. CRE Brokers has been appointed as the Exclusive Agency for the leasehold sale of the hotel in a major regional growth centre of NSW. Set in the tree-lined Dean Street, surrounded by the retail, food and entertainment offerings, […]
Grafton Travel passes the baton of ownership to Louise Thompson
After 17 years running the show, it's time to put your feet up, hopefully on a cruise ship floating somewhere.
Regent announces opening of the Regent Santa Monica Beach
Regent has returned to the US with the opening of Regent Santa Monica Beach, a beachfront resort combining the glamour of Los Angeles with the splendour of the coast. Regent Santa Monica Beach, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, reintroduces the Regent name to Los Angeles and becomes the brand’s first […]
CATO unites at World Travel Market London
The Council of Australian Tour Operators is poised to make a significant impact that the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London. Supported by the Australian Government’s Reinvigorating International Travel Grant (RITG) program, CATO’s impressive attendance signals a clear commitment to revitalising the travel industry and accelerating Australia’s outbound tourism recovery. WTM London has served […]
ICC Sydney hosts Global Nature Positive Summit
The International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit from 8 to 10 October. Around 1,000 delegates including international Ministers, environmental policy experts across government and corporate sectors, Indigenous People, and investors attended the landmark event. At the Summit, leaders explored effective ways to realise global commitments […]
Centennial Homestead welcomes The Paddock and Treehouse Rooftop Bar
Centennial Homestead, in Sydney’s Centennial Parklands, is stepping into a new era with its new The Paddock and Treehouse Rooftop Bar. Nestled with the stunning Parklands as a backdrop, the new spaces will be offering breakfast, lunch, weekend drinks with a view, or events. The Paddock seats more than 200 guests comfortably. With seamless integration […]
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for a boys’ trip
Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for men to enjoy a customised adventure or wellness weekend. “Boys’ weekends” have come a long way from fishing, footy, and pub grub, with guys keen to get away to destinations that offer everything from actions and adventure […]
Club Med launches inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report
Club Med has launched its inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report, a new source of key information to support companies with the implementation of sustainable initiatives at their events. As its MICE sector continues to accelerate, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays commissioned a survey on 200 key opinion leaders from a range of different […]
PONANT pulls the pin on Paspaley Pearl sailings in the Kimberley
Big new in the luxury cruise industry, but getting more details is like prizing an oyster from its shell.
Regional manager Stewart Williams departs Celestyal Cruises after restructure
We wish Stewart Williams the best of luck with his next chapter.
Hotel review: does Amanpulo in the Phillipines outshine the Australian coastline?
We set our sights on Pamalican Island, curious if its beauty might outshine the familiar splendour of our own Australian coasts. Upon our arrival, what Amanpulo presents is a transformation of natural beauty into something that borders on ethereal. The journey by seaplane – a cinematic touch – adds an air of mystery, as if […]
‘Magnifique!’ – Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky star in Experience Visit Abu Dhabi ad
When you have a family this photogenic, it would be rude not to appear in a travel advert.
Inside Travel Group picks up $40m investment from Piper and Cool Japan Fund
Not a bad investment win for Inside Travel Group! We are sure there's a few office celebrations happening today.
Celestyal, Visit Qatar & Qatar Airways to host F1 super famil with celebrity guest
If you want to go on this famil then join the very, very long queue.
UK-based Gray Dawes Group acquires Melbourne-based Verve Travel and Leisure
Who says there's no money in travel? Drinks all round for Kathryn and Kurt Sari.
Virgin Australia and American Express boost Velocity card benefits with lounge access and more
Have we got a deal for you! AmEx and Virgin double down on card status credits.
Yajambee Farms opens in the Moreton Bay region
We are not fully sure what a self-contained farm stay is but it sounds good.
Sydney marathon upgrade set to add $73million to NSW economy
Oh no. We were hoping to enter but looks like it will be too busy for us now. Oh well, sofa and potato chips for us.
Smoothing the customer data journey for travel and hospitality
Whilst giving your data away can be scary, we can all agree that it sucks to receive non-personalised ads.
Mondrian Hong Kong wins two AHEAD Asia 2024 awards
We aren't sure why exactly they won the awards. Looks like we will have to stay and find out for ourselves.
Top tips on visiting when Japan this winter, thanks to Japan Rail Pass
Basically don't be rude, exercise general social etiquette and you'll be good.
PONANT unveils Northern Lights Quest itineraries for 2025
They say the lights are mesemerising and you could look at this all night. Just thaw us out at the end please.
Pier One Sydney Harbour partners with Exceptional ALIEN
A golden key digital created a concierge to guide you around top city spots? Yes please.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey met trainer of winning horse on P&O Cruise
Forget snakes on a plane. We prefer the much friendlier 'horses on a cruise ship'.
Club Med kicks off industry first home based agent conference in sunny Bali
Apart from insightful keynotes and digital workshops, walking into the air-conditioned conference room was a highlight!
When in town for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Honeymoon Guesthouse is the place to call home
Don't worry - you don't actually have to be on your honeymoon to enjoy this special place.
Smartraveller keeps US green despite ‘potential for unrest and violence’ amidst presidential election
Whilst it may be safe to travel to the US, your holiday might be more peaceful if you hold off.
BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith to depart after 12 years
12 years is a pretty impressive tenure! We are sure Lyn Lewis-Smith will be very much missed.
Meet Roya I’Anson – the unstoppable hotelier who became a GM at JUST 27 after starting out cleaning rooms
At 27 the biggest responsibility we had was watering our housemate's pot plant. That didn't end well...
Kochi showcases its isolated Japanese appeal
Visiting isolated places is great, although you might want to brush up on your Japanese before you go.
Adelaide Marriott Hotel brings new life to city’s historic General Post Office
We once slept in a post office, but that ended up with a police caution. This is a better time.
APT brings the outback to Melbourne with custom Mercedes-Benz 4WDs
We thought this meant they were bringing trucks of kangaroos and wombats into Melbourne, sadly not.
Stories Unseen expands to Adelaide
If you hate real people, but love local industry knowledge, then this is for you!
To get the most out of France, take the Back-Roads
Just in case you needed more reasons to extend your visit to Europe in 2025, this is it!
Catriona Rowntree reveals her Top 10 Tips for the cruise season
Catriona has been telling how to get away for a while now, we are staggered at how long, and it's all sensible advice.
Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking
A great initiative for a very worthy cause! Nice to see the travel industry doing good.