Simon McArthur recently returned from Peru, where he participated in a whole of South America sustainable tourism capacity building initiative held in Tarapota (Amazon Basin) and Lima (Peru). To access the presentation, go to http://turismosanmartin.com/blog/?page_id=2
Simon addressed the latest market trends, product innovation and the emerging world of social media to 300 and 200 participants at the two locations. Considerable feedback was given to local operators on how to make their tourism experiences more competitive. Operators involved in this feedback ranged from a group of ceramic makers in a local village to the large tourism operator Lima Tours. Pictured is Simon (right) lunching with the marketing team of Lima Vision, after a successful brand workshop.
 

In November 2009 Simon McArthur travelled to South Australia as a keynote speaker on the latest innovations in monitoring and reporting of sustainable tourism for Regional Tourism Organisations. Approximately 200 audience members learnt about how systems are being operated to make more informed decisions about making tourism more sustainable. The presentation included case studies of systems on Kangaroo Island and Q Station Sydney.

In mid September 2009 Simon McArthur and the Managing Director of the Mawland Group (Max Player) undertook a two day familiarisation tour of potential tourism developments in South Australia. The tour was hosted by the South Australian Tourism Commission, and included the former Adelaide Gaol (for adaptive reuse), Adelaide Port (new hotel) and Monarto Zoo (nature-based accommodation). Simon provided feedback to assist the Commission attract suitable investors and developers.

In August 2009 Tobias Mendelovici and Simon McArthur attended a three day Tourism Futures Conference, on Australia's Gold Coast. Simon presented on reflections of tourism development on protected areas.

To access Simon’s presentation and others, go to www.tourismfutures.com.au Tobias is preparing media articles for various media outlets.