Australian universities and thought leaders join global experts in discussions about new frontiers in tourism and innovative approaches to technology during Travel and Connectivity Week at Expo 2020 Dubai, from January 9-15. 

 

They will share practical insights and studies on sustainable tourism and digital connectivity, as the sector balances the impact of the expansion of the digital world on our physical reality. 

 

The following topics will be discussed: 

- Circular tourism models which put local communities first; 

- Ecotourism as the new norm; 

- Future decarbonisation of transport; and 

- How ‘Smart Cities’ can ensure sustainable travel and connectivity. 

 

Australia is committed to sustainability in tourism and uses data science, and the latest technology and analytics to preserve its landscapes, lifestyle, ancient cultures and diverse population as it promotes and attracts global tourism. 

 

The Australian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai highlights  why Australia is a destination of choice to visit, experience and explore. 

 

On January 11, from 10.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m., Yusuf Omar, co-founder of Hashtag Our Stories, a video publisher reaching millions of people daily on social media platforms, will conduct a workshop, ‘New Frontiers in Tourism'. A former CNN Senior Social Media Reporter, multi-award-winning journalist, TEDx, UN, and News Xchange speaker, Omar was Mobile Editor at the Hindustan Times in India and a correspondent in Syria and Congo. 

 

He explores the new frontiers of tourism as a change in systems rather than as a new destination and advocates embracing regenerative and circular models which put local communities first. 

 

On January 13, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m., Professor Anne Hardy, Associate Professor Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Tourism and Sociology, of the University of Tasmania, presents ‘World Majlis: Off the Beaten Path, Travel in the 21st Century’ at the India Pavilion.

 

She discusses mass-market tourism and ecotourism as the new norm and showcases Australia’s expertise in digital technology and its commitment to sustainable tourism. She says: “We were interested in understanding exactly where tourists go and so we designed an app called Tourism Tracer which uses GPS and includes a survey. 

 

"It helps researchers understand exactly who the tourists are and where they go to in real time, so tourism authorities and the industry can actually understand exactly where tourists are travelling.”

 

Tourism Tracer’s success resulted in changes in the way that destinations such as Tasmania collect visitor information. Since its development, it has been used in many other national and international jurisdictions and has now been commercialised. 

 

On January 14, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Professor Pascal Perez, Director of the SMART infrastructure facilities at University of Wollongong, will co-host a panel ‘The Future Decarbonisation of Transportation in Smart Cities,’ at the Terra Auditorium. 

 

Dr May El Barachi, Associate Dean of Research and Head of Industry Outreach and Executive Learning at University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD), will join Professor Perez as co-host of the Smart Cities panel.

 

An Egyptian-Canadian computer scientist and smart technology expert with degrees in telecommunications engineering, computer engineering and computer science, Dr El Barachi possesses the breadth of knowledge to conduct large-scale multi-disciplinary projects in biotech, smart transportation, smart cities, inclusion and innovation.

 

She will be joined by Dr Mohamad Nassereddine, Assistant Professor at UOWD, who has a keen interest and knowledge in renewable energy, smart power systems, high voltage transmission and advanced smart grid.

 

Dr Haile-Selassie Rajamani, Associate Professor at UOWD, teaches Signals & Systems and Control Theory and has a special interest in Renewable Energy and Power Electronics. 

 

Other Australian speakers connecting in remotely to participate in the panel include: 

- Philip Davis, Partner at Deloitte-Infrastructure Australia and former CEO of Infrastructure Australia, current chair of Australian Logistics Council and the SMART infrastructure facility advisory council at UOW;  

- Neil Wang, CEO of Foton Mobility, new energy project leader and electric bus distributor and hydrogen bus solution provider; and Ty Christopher, Director of the Energy Futures Network, University of Wollongong.-TradeArabia News Service