As part of the APEC 2007 year, the Australian Government is hosting a Forum on the “Importance of Collaboration in Times of Crisis”, at the Sofitel Gold Coast on Tuesday 15th May 2007.
The forum features a number of renowned keynote speakers, although there has been criticism in Australia that other local, regional and global acknowledged experts have been overlooked, who will focus on the value of collaboration between governments, industry, international organisations and the community during times of crisis.
Speakers include:
** Geoffrey Lipman, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization;
** Sandy Hollway, a member of the Cyclone Larry Taskforce, the Canberra Bushfire Taskforce and CEO of the Sydney Olympics;
** Dr Sasithara Pichaichannarong of the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sport;
** Dr Lily Chiu of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority;
** Ian Kean, Executive Director, APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism;
** Chris Buckingham, General Manager, Gippsland Tourism; and
** Emergency Management Australia.
Case studies on natural disasters like Cyclone Larry and the Boxing Day tsunami, and pandemic events such as SARS will highlight the complexities faced by Governments, communities and organisations when coping with such events.
Panel discussions will seek participants’ insight into the needs and roles of stakeholders in crisis response.
Tourism industry representatives are invited to participate in this one-day Forum programme, with registration free and including lunch and a post-Forum networking function.
Registrations close on 1 May 2007 and places are limited so please register now – a confirmation email will follow your successful registration.
For further details, please visit www.industry.gov.au/apectourism
A Report by The Mole
