The pandemic has altered various aspects of life, including how we travel. As international tourism in Australia is gradually returning to its peak, overseas visitors are emboldened by their desire to reconnect with loved ones and nature, signalling a shift towards travel that emphasises wellbeing.
John Daw is the executive officer of Australian Wildlife Journeys, overseeing a collective of thirteen tour operators focusing on responsible wildlife encounters. He has spent 16 years in various tourism management roles across Australia and the United States. He managed the market research program for Kangaroo Island's ‘Tourism Optimization Management Model’ and was part of various research projects for the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Nicole Mitchell is the executive officer of Tourism Australia's Discover Aboriginal Experiences, a collective of 49 businesses nationwide focusing on quality and inspiring Aboriginal experiences. She previously worked with Tourism NT and helped guide and shape the Indigenous Tourism Champions program – a national program to support indigenous businesses to become ready for market and export.
Kara Ortiga is a PhD candidate at Macquarie University in Sydney. Her research focuses on new media audiences and their relationships with technology, politics, and information. Before jumping into academia, she was a journalist in the Philippines, covering culture and the arts. Her work has been published in Esquire, VICE, and CNN Philippines, among a few.