Gurner to go global with plans for wellness clubs in the US, Dubai
Rich Lister Tim Gurner plans to take his brand of high-end health and wellness clubs to the United States and the United Arab Emirates by the end of this year, making it the first time the busy Melbourne-based developer has ventured into offshore markets.
'Sydney is a big focus for us at the moment, and Gold Coast and then global,' Gurner told The Australian Financial Review. ' We'll be in the US by the end of the year and the UAE, so Dubai.'
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How can I tell if a destination really is doing the right thing? Look closely at its marketing and storytelling, and how it engages with local communities and the environment, says Destination Queenstown's Woods. 'Look for initiatives that both strengthen the economic resilience of the destination and foster connections between visitors, community and those which protect the environment.' I know you shouldn't ride elephants, so is it still OK to ride other animals like camels? 'Whatever the activity, ensure the animal's mental as well as physical needs are provided for,' says John Roberts, group director of sustainability and conservation at the Minor Hotels group. The most important message is to look for science-based welfare certification from any animal excursion, no matter the species, to guarantee the best of care. Is there any way I can pack for a trip that's better for the planet? Packing light reduces your carbon footprint and makes it easier to use trains and buses and not rely on less environmentally forgiving private transportation, says Ecotourism Australia's Keenan. 'Consider whether you really need to buy certain items before you go. If you really want to [do so], purchase them from small businesses or markets in your destination, helping the money stay in that local community.' Loading What's the feeling these days about visiting and supporting zoos around the world? There's still a place for zoos, says Minor Hotels' Roberts, since it's still not possible for everyone to travel to view creatures in the wild and to be inspired to care for the natural world. A licensed and well-regulated zoo, for instance a member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquaria, will be providing the best possible care and, most importantly, will be prevented from being part of the illegal wildlife trade and other anti-conservation measures.' How can I choose an ethical safari, as wild animals can be crowded on some tours? Travel with a company that plays a part in conservation or pays extra for exclusivity, ideally with a local community as benefactors, says Roberts. 'Certainly, it's better for the animals' wellbeing not to be overcrowded, and for conservation in general, but it does come at a price point that excludes the vast majority of people. But overcrowding problems come when the experience is too convenient and cheap.' PLEASE EXPLAIN: WHAT IT ALL MEANS Sustainability Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Greenwashing The act of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice. Carbon offsets A system of credits used by a company or organisation to compensate for what they are emitting, thereby decreasing their net emissions. Loading Single-use plastic Items such as cling-wrap and plastic straws that are designed for one use only before being discarded. Social enterprise A business designed to achieve specific social objectives as its primary purpose, benefiting marginalised or economically disadvantaged groups by permanently improving their socioeconomic conditions. Regenerative tourism Leaving places you visit in a better state than you found them. Paris Agreement A legally binding international treaty, entered into force in November 2016, with the goal to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and hold global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
