Phillip Island tourism: Why we should do it like they do it in Wanaka

IF YOU’RE standing still, you’re not going anywhere.

That in a nutshell is what the Phillip Island Regenerative Tourism Project is all about.

The project, initiated by Destination Phillip Island, is being rolled out by Matt Sykes, founder at Regeneration Projects, who was a guest speaker at the DPI ‘Experience Phillip Island’ conference at the Phillip Island Winery last Thursday.

So, why do we need to regenerate? Isn’t Phillip Island great already?

Because, according to Matt Sykes, the market has changed.

“Post-COVID there are different expectations from stakeholders about what the industry needs to be,” said Matt.

“They want an industry that is respectful of local communities, that gives back to the environment and enhances the local economy.

“Visitors are more often looking for businesses that are socially and environmentally aware and they’re prepared to get involved, by making a donation, planting a tree, picking up litter or doing something meaningful for the environment.

“They want to participate in the care of the place and to feel like they’re a part of it.”

Matt said there were plenty of organisations on the Island and at San Remo who would be able to facilitate those opportunities and there was value in getting together to organise it.

And they want to hear about the Millowl-Phillip Island First Nations’ story, he said.

As a provider of strategic consultancy, Regeneration Projects has created a point of difference by connecting business, ecosystems and First Nations Peoples, along the way training leaders in ecological literacy, building partnerships, creating strategy plans and initiating research partnerships.

It's all part of a wider strategy, not only to enhance the visitor experience while reducing the impact on the environment and the local community but also to make Phillip Island and San Remo a more attractive destination for the younger demographic needed to work in the sector as well as the investors and professionals needed to bring expertise, energy and innovation to take the region to a new level.

“It’s the next chapter,” said Matt Sykes.

He said that listening to industry leaders describe the spirit of place on Phillip Island highlights people enjoying the feeling of coming over the bridge to an “authentic, wild” destination, of literally taking a deep breath of relief on arrival, that the island was seen as a sanctuary, an island ark and there was great value in nurturing biodiversity and enhancing the island’s natural assets.The key, he said, was having a consistent message, a common goal and working together.

It’s an initiative that Lake Wānaka Tourism in New Zealand has already adopted, setting up a “fund” to allow holiday makers to invest time or money back into local projects.

“What if we could get 50 business champions or so to engage. All we need is a central webpage to get it started,” said Matt.

His presentation dovetailed nicely into the data provided by Jack Trainor of Booking.com who said more travellers were looking for commitment to environmental and social responsibility, and Rebecca White of the Tourism Collective, who unveiled DPI's draft Destination Management Plan, with similar themes.

With a state of the industry address by Destination Phillip Island CEO Kim Storey, highlighting healthy overnight stay and spend figures, Mirerva Holmes of DJSIR providing details about the ‘Experience Victoria 2033 strategy and how-to tips on social media from Bec Russo of Visit Victoria; it was altogether a well-crafted, up-to-the-minute, inspiring and compelling conference.

See also:  

And