Soaring to New Heights - Insights and Innovations from Sparrowly Group
At Sparrowly Group, sharing our knowledge and giving back to the industries we work in is core to our values. This week, four of our team members ventured out to present workshops and panels across New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. We spoke on a variety of topics including driving customer loyalty, sustainable gastronomy, building local and industry advocacy, and the adoption of data to drive business success.
Beyond sharing our knowledge, we also value the opportunity to learn from our peers. Here are our key takeaways from this week:
Evolve, Engage, Excel: Navigating the Future of Tourism
Event: Tourism Industry Council South Australia
Sparrowly Presenter: Justine Sinclair
AI, The Game Changer
AI is transforming the industry and businesses through predictive analytics, personalised itineraries, and more. However, it’s important to use AI thoughtfully to avoid homogenisation. Small businesses can significantly reduce workloads by utilising custom GPT chatbots for automating repetitive tasks and training staff.Regenerative Tourism
Tourism contributes 8% to the global carbon footprint. To address this, businesses should audit their carbon footprint, considering not just direct emissions but also the broader supply chain impact. Tim Jarvis AM emphasised, “The amount we consume is a bigger problem than the number of us on the planet.”Inclusive Workplaces
Fostering diversity requires a focused approach. The South Australia Office for Autism offers excellent resources for employers on recruitment, interviews, inductions, and workplace adjustments to enhance workforce diversity.
Visitor Economy Symposium
Event: Destination Sydney Surrounds South
Sparrowly Presenter: Jackie Hicks (attended with Morgan Thorn)
Opportunities for Growth
Communities play a crucial role in economic stimulus through the visiting friends and relatives market. The future of drive tourism lies in electric vehicles, with many regions installing charging facilities, presenting an opportunity to develop products for High Value Travellers during charging times.Western Sydney International Airport
Opening in 2026, this airport is expected to bring 10 million visitors by 2031-2033 and 82 million passengers by 2063, offering significant opportunities for regions near Sydney.Shaping Your Narrative
Clearly defining your business and unique selling point (USP) is essential for extracting value from customers. Engage and delight your customers with experiences and value-adds to turn them into ambassadors. A succinct, persuasive sales pitch is crucial for capturing attention and engaging customers.
Global Sustainable Tourism Summit
Event: Ecotourism Australia
Sparrowly Presenter: Giovanna Lever
Beyond Environmental Impact
Sustainability involves balancing economic, social, and environmental factors. The Sustainable Gastronomy and Food Tourism Panel showcased examples like Melbourne Foodie Trails in their employment policy and selection of businesses to profile as well as Intrepid Travel’s journey as a B Corp, highlighting social impact and their ethical marketing guideline.Slow Down to Speed Up
Practical steps for meaningful indigenous engagement include empowering people, engaging early, building resilience, and fostering cultural enrichment. The Voyages presentation demonstrated successful community collaboration in co-designing experiences and integrating indigenous culture. A great example of this is the Gallery of Central Australia.Start Somewhere and Start Now
Overcoming paralysis around sustainability starts with clear objectives and a commitment to progress over perfection. Identify your starting point, set objectives, and make sustainability a part of your business as usual, exemplified by Wild Adventures Melbourne.
We love an excuse to chat to discuss insights over a cuppa in person or over zoom. We invite you to reach out to us and let’s set up a time for a cuppa and a chat!
