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 9th to 15th January 2022. They will share practical insights and studies on sustainable tourism and digital connectivity, as the sector balances the impact of the expansion of our 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 spectacular landscapes, attractive lifestyle, rich ancient cultures and diverse population as it promotes and attracts global tourism. Australia is a must-see travel destination with some of the world’s best culinary, arts, sports and cultural experiences. Australian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai highlights why Australia is a destination of choice to visit, experience and explore.
On 11th January 2022, from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm, Yusuf Omar, co-founder of Hashtag Our Stories, a global video publisher reaching millions of people daily on social media platforms, conducts a masterclass workshop, ‘New Frontiers in Tourism,’ at the Australian Pavilion. A former CNN Senior Social Media Reporter, multi-award-winning journalist, TEDx, UN, and News Xchange speaker, Yusuf 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 13th January 2022, from 4 to 6 pm, 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 14th January 2022, from 1 to 3 pm, 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. Professor Perez has 30 years of experience in advanced data analytics and simulation, and complex interactions within environmental, social, and technological systems. He led crowdsourced Flood Mapping in Jakarta and Geosocial Intelligence to Enhance Corporate Capability in Hong Kong. He has a longstanding interest in social patterns and individual responses to technological, environmental and regulatory changes, as well as the influence of demographic transitions on the sustainability of urban, transport and health policies.
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.
Dr El Barachi 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 Mr Ty Christopher, Director of the Energy Futures Network, University of Wollongong
THE AUSTRALIAN PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI
Situated in the heart of the Mobility District at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Australian Pavilion pays homage to a nation built on mobility. From our earliest histories to the modern day, the movement of people and ideas are embedded in our nation’s DNA. As one of the world’s most multicultural societies, Australia brings a powerful understanding of how the transfer of people, innovations, and culture work together to build economies and enrich lives. The Pavilion theme, Blue Sky Dreaming, encapsulates Australian optimism and creativity and celebrates Australian diversity and collaboration, envisaging a future of infinite possibilities founded on 60,000 years of innovation.
From under the gleaming canopy of its cumulus cloud-inspired roof, the Australian Pavilion visitor experience will tell Australia’s story, from ancient indigenous know-how to modern day discovery and invention. Visitors will be invited to share, see, and hear about our people, land, history, and innovation connecting communities locally and globally. The Pavilion provides a compelling experience of Australia through immersive storytelling, bold artistic art installations, and true Australian hospitality through Australian inspired-food and culturally diverse entertainment.
The Pavilion will also host a strategic program of events connecting Australian business and industry to global trade and investment opportunities, and demonstrating the best of Australian products, services, and expertise to other participating countries.
