The tourism sector is a generator of jobs and income. In the context of Newcastle and the Hunter region, tourism can generate economic benefits that will help transition the region into a sustainable future. However, without proper systems in place, tourism can consume large quantities of energy, water, and plastics which degrade the environmental quality of ecosystems in tourism destinations. New and circular business models are needed to change the way tourism operates and enable businesses and destinations to be sustainable. The quadruple bottom line needs to be applied to tourism development, where equal attention is given to cultural, economic, environmental, and social benefits to ensure beneficial flow on effects for local communities. The COVID-19 related tourism pause is an opportunity to rethink, refocus, and reimagine how the tourism sector can build a better and more circular economy tourism system for the future.

Speaker 1: Dr Phoebe Everingham

Phoebe Everingham is an “early career researcher” in the field of critical tourism at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

With a PhD in tourism and development geography, Dr Everingham also has a background in sociology, anthropology, and human geography. She teaches management and tourism at the Newcastle Business School, Australia. With research interests in sustainable and ethical tourism, in particular volunteer tourism, Phoebe is passionate about ensuring that communities benefit both financially and socially from tourism.

Phoebe is also the Sustainable Tourism Executive for Go Circular, a NFP organisation based in Newcastle. Go Circular believes that together we can move to a low-carbon, regenerative and socially just economy.

Speaker 2: STEVE EDMONDS, FAICD, CEO

Joining Reflections Holiday Parks as CEO in 2014, Steve Edmonds brings over 30 years’ experience in senior management and executive roles in both the private and public sectors. He has held the position of General Manager Commercial and Company Secretary for the Port of Newcastle and was also Director Development for Landcom’s Hunter Region, leading some of the largest urban and urban renewal projects.

Mr Edmonds was also Business Group Manager for GHD’s Building and Structures Division prior to taking up the position of Director City Assets and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Newcastle where he managed 260 staff and an annual budget of $170 million. He has been the recipient of the Landcom Award in 2004 for the best master planned development, “Royal Newcastle”. He and his team in 2003 also received two Awards; the Lower Hunter Civic Design Award for Best ESD Project and the Overall Civic Design Award for the best Development Project in the Hunter.

Mr Edmonds has held several Board positions, including Chairman of the Hunter Export Centre and Director and Treasurer of Compass Housing. Previous committee memberships include Maitland City Centre Committee and the Property Council Hunter Chapter Executive.

Mr Edmonds has previously taught business subjects part time for TAFE NSW and Newcastle University and currently sits on the Newcastle University MBA Advisory Board.