TRC Tourism

13/02/2025

“Vision - Do the Sum of the Parts Make a Whole?”

Discover Common Ground's pivotal role in transforming Dwellingup into a Trail Town

Join Common Ground Director, Dave Wilcox, as he shares insights into processes and strategies behind Dwellingup’s evolution into a premier trail destination.

The session will explore Common Ground’s approach to:
• Stakeholder engagement
• Regional master planning
• Trail design and construction
• Visitor facilities planning and design
• Development of the trail centre.

We’ll examine how these elements came together to create unified vision, offering a seamless experience for visitors, driving increased visitation and fostering economic growth. Additionally, we’ll reflect on the lessons that can be learned by comparing Dwellingup’s visitor experience with international trail town models.

Have you got insights on recreational trails? Submit your bio & abstract by March 21, 2025 to be considered for the Sustainable Trails Conference. https://bit.ly/41daD8B

13/02/2025

🚨 Call for Speakers – Now Open! 🚨

🌍 Got insights on recreational trails? We want YOU to share them! 🌲

📅 Submit your bio & abstract by March 21, 2025 to be considered for the Sustainable Trails Conference.

🔗 Don’t miss out – get all the details here:
https://bit.ly/3UVLBHC

09/02/2025

TRC Tourism is dedicated to working alongside traditional custodians and communities across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to develop meaningful and sustainable cultural tourism experiences and businesses. We understand the power of cultural immersion for visitors and the vital role that cultural tourism plays in strengthening local communities, economically, socially and culturally.

Through a participatory planning approach, we ensure that local Indigenous communities have a central role in defining and driving tourism within their communities that can help to achieve their aspirations. Our specialists work respectfully and collaboratively, fostering trust and mutual understanding to create tourism experiences that are both culturally authentic and beneficial for communities. From product development and business planning, to assisting with purposeful engagement and facilitation through to storytelling and joint management of protected areas, we deliver tailored solutions that align with the values and aspirations of Indigenous communities.

What we offer:
• Grant writing and business planning
• Product and experience development
• Marketing strategies
• Operations management, training & mentoring
• Consultation, facilitation and stakeholder engagement
• Indigenous Tourism Plans, Strategies & Frameworks
• Joint Management Plans for Protected Areas
• Storytelling and visitor interpretation planning
• Effective facilitation and purposeful engagement assistance.

At TRC, we pay our respects to the First Nations peoples who are guardians of the lands, waterways, seas and skies we all call home. We are committed to upholding cultural protocols with care and integrity. We are here to work alongside you, wherever you may be on your cultural tourism journey.

Let’s work together to create a future that respects and celebrates culture for our next generations.

For more information on our Indigenous Tourism Planning services, click here: https://bit.ly/4htrB8k

07/02/2025

🌿 Join us in Dwellingup, WA from October 28-30, 2025 for the Sustainable Trails Conference! 🚴‍♀️

Australia & New Zealand’s premier event for trail professionals, this conference brings together experts in trail development, management, and marketing. Connect, learn, and upskill through keynote speeches, masterclasses, and dynamic sessions.

🏞️ Why Dwellingup?
Located just an hour from Perth CBD, Dwellingup is a hidden gem known for its stunning landscapes, thriving MTB trails, and as a key stop on the world-famous Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail. From the heart-pumping downhill trails of Murray Valley to the peaceful cross-country routes weaving through town, Dwellingup is the ultimate trail lover’s paradise!

🎤 CALLING ALL TRAIL EXPERTS
Got insights on sustainable trails? We want YOU! The Call for Speakers is NOW OPEN, and we’re looking for passionate individuals to share their expertise. Submit your abstract by March 21, 2025, and be part of shaping the future of sustainable trails!

🔗 For more details and to submit your abstract, visit: https://bit.ly/3UVLBHC

Save the Date! Sustainable Trails Conference 2025 Australia Call for Speakers is now open! Submit your abstract by 28 February 2025. See Speakers page for more details. Book your accommodation early to secure your room, visit the

05/02/2025

Waitangi Day | Honouring Our Shared Journey

Today, we reflect on the significance of Waitangi Day, acknowledging the deep history, resilience, and aspirations of Māori, Aotearoa’s tangata whenua and all who call this land home.

At TRC Tourism, we recognise the importance of authentic partnerships, where tourism is a vehicle for connection, cultural understanding, and economic empowerment for Māori communities. In today’s political climate, the need for genuine collaboration and shared commitment to a future guided by manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and kotahitanga is more important than ever.

Let’s take this day to reflect, listen, and work together towards a more inclusive and regenerative future. He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.

05/02/2025

Fantastic news! The Victorian Goldfields have officially received the green light to pursue World Heritage Listing! After 35 years of passionate advocacy, this is a game-changing moment for the region. The Goldfields have now been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, marking a key milestone toward global recognition of its extraordinary significance. From the First Peoples to the gold rush and waves of immigration, the Goldfields' rich history is now one step closer to being preserved and celebrated for future generations. Congratulations!

In 2021, TRC Tourism collaborated with 13 local governments in the Goldfields region, along with partners WolfPeak and Planet Happiness, to develop the Sustainable Tourism and Value Creation Toolkit. Later, in 2022, TRC Tourism and MCa Consultants prepared an Economic Benefit Assessment, both of which served as key supporting elements for the Central Victorian Goldfields' World Heritage bid.
Additionally, in 2023/2024, TRC Tourism prepared the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Master Plan alongside the ARUP team, further contributing to the development of the region's World Heritage journey.

https://bit.ly/4jJcnO1

The Australian Government has officially given the green light for the Victorian Goldfields to seek World Heritage Listing, marking a historic milestone after 35 years of advocacy, with its successful inclusion on Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The journey to World Heritage List...

30/01/2025

Last week Janet Mackay travelled in the Queensland Central Highlands to undertake consultation on the Queensland Country First Nations Tourism Action Plan. Consultation was held in Blackwater and Woorabinda (and Bunya Mountains further south the previous week).The Woorabinda workshop was followed by some great cultural activities conducted by the Warama Culture mob who had also participated the discussions.

Through community engagement, we're helping identify how each community wants to engage with visitors, share their stories, and create tourism experiences that are both sustainable and culturally respectful. Our role is to work with Traditional Owners and First Nations communities to ensure tourism growth aligns with community aspirations, supports economic empowerment, and strengthens cultural connections to land and heritage.

30/01/2025

Tourism in the Tanami Desert?
To many the word ‘desert’ may evoke feelings of emptiness, endless horizons as far as the eye can see, no building standing tall, no creature comforts (no phone connectivity!), no other living thing in sight…
This is the charm of the Tanami Desert, a place that you imagine to be empty is so full and alive, a place where you can disconnect to be connected. The exhilarating feeling of isolation, marvelling at sunsets and sunrises that stretch on forever, night skies filled with more stars than you’ve ever seen in your life, a carpet of wildflowers across the red desert sands after seasonal rains, an Emu father and his chicks foraging nearby, an ancient cultural landscape full of Walpiri stories, knowledge, traditions, bushtucker and bush medicines.

That was the impression the Tanami Desert left on our Senior Consultant Tracey Diddams and project partner Joe Bean from Brave and Curious. By spending time with Walpiri Traditional Owners and seeing Country in new ways, Tracey and Joe are working with local Walpiri families to fulfil their vision of connecting visitors to Walpiri people, Country and culture, providing basic infrastructure and services that keep drive travellers safe, and providing sustainable business and job pathways for remote Tanami communities.

The current Tanami Road sealing project and growing demand for Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences are big opportunities for the remote communities in the Tanami Desert, with the potential to create a cultural drive visitor experience that connects two iconic Australian destinations – Central Australia and the Kimberley. We are excited to be working with Walpiri families who are building a pathway that keeps culture, Country and communities strong and delivers meaningful and safe visitor journeys. As this pathway unfolds, consider exchanging your city lights and beaches filled with ‘budgie smugglers’ for a bed made of wildflowers, a taste of Roo tail cooked on campfire coals, hearing stories older than time itself, making countless wishes on shooting stars and seeing real Budgies flying wild and free painting the skies in blues, greens and yellows.
https://bit.ly/4aEI2vZ

16/01/2025

New Zealand’s Hump Ridge Track has made the cut as one of the world's 25 best walks to explore in 2025! Out of 450,000 trails reviewed by AllTrails, this stunning trail stands out as a must-do adventure for hiking enthusiasts.

Link to article: https://bit.ly/4hdzmyH

Lace up your boots and get planning with this top 25 list.

10/01/2025

From eco-conscious escapades to the rise of "work from anywhere" lifestyles, the travel trends for 2025 are reshaping how we explore the world. Whether it's transformative travel, off-grid adventures, or embracing cultural immersion like never before, these trends highlight the growing desire for meaningful, sustainable, and innovative travel experiences.

Check out this insightful article by BBC Travel that delves into 7 trends shaping the way we’ll travel in 2025.
https://bbc.in/3BYBNWZ

As firms around the globe reveal how they think we'll be travelling in 2025, we look at why it matters – and what it says about us.

31/12/2024

Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in 2025! Happy New Year!
From the TRC Team.

29/12/2024

2024 has been a remarkable year for TRC Tourism, a testament to the organisation’s commitment to excellence, innovation and meaningful impact in the tourism sector. This year, TRC Tourism has been recognised with an array of prestigious awards, each reflecting the diverse ways in which the company has contributed to the tourism industry.

A standout achievement this year was winning the Gold Medal in the Services to the Tourism Industry Award at the NSW Tourism Industry Council / NSW Tourism Awards. This recognition reflects the organisation’s consistent dedication to delivering outstanding services that elevate the tourism experience for communities, businesses and visitors.

Visionary leadership played a significant role in this success, with Janet Mackay being honoured with the Outstanding Individual Contribution to Tourism Award at the NSW Business Awards. Janet’s leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to innovation have inspired countless professionals in the tourism industry, cementing her legacy as an extraordinary leader.

The organisation’s expertise in strategic planning was celebrated with a win at the NT Awards for Planning Excellence in Strategic Planning for our groundbreaking work on the NT Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Framework. This project exemplifies TRC Tourism’s commitment to fostering sustainable and culturally enriching tourism initiatives.

Expanding its influence beyond national borders, the team earned recognition as a Finalist in the Excellence in International Business Award at the NSW State Business Awards. Adding to this achievement, the Excellence in International Business Award was also won at the Far South Coast (NSW) Business Awards, showcasing outstanding global reach and impact.

These accolades are not just awards—they reflect our dedication to making a difference in the tourism industry. From supporting local communities to driving international excellence, 2024 has proven to be a year of monumental achievements for TRC Tourism.

26/12/2024

Join us in Dwellingup, Western Australia from October 28th to 30th, 2025!

Call for Speakers is Now Open! Do you have insights on sustainable trails? Submit your abstract by 28 February 2025.

Click here to visit the Sustainable Trails Conference website for more details: https://bit.ly/3UVLBHC

22/12/2024

This year, TRC senior consultant Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana had the privilege of working with hapū and entities in Taitokerau and Tairāwhiti. Together, we explored their aspirations, identified potential experiences, and developed strategies that respect their values and heritage. By aligning tourism opportunities with the hapū’s goals, we have helped create sustainable development platforms that empower them to share their stories and treasures with pride.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4gGHR5a

Tourism, when approached with purpose and respect, can be a powerful platform for communities to share their heritage, culture, and natural treasures with the world. To ensure tourism development is authentic and sustainable, it is essential to collaborate closely with community groups, such as hap....

20/12/2024

Call for Speakers is Now Open!

Do you have insights on recreational trails? We want to hear from you!

Submit your bio & abstract by 28 February 2025 to be considered for the Sustainable Trails Conference.

For more details, head to our conference page now! https://bit.ly/3UVLBHC

20/12/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of inspiring partnerships, meaningful projects, and shared successes across incredible destinations. This year has brought distinct challenges, reminding us all of the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and hope.

From all of us at TRC Tourism, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with you and help shape thriving, resilient, and sustainable places. Our high-performing, multidisciplinary team has been privileged to work and walk alongside communities, organisations, and clients who share a vision for a better future. Together, we've created plans, delivered strategies, and supported initiatives that will leave a lasting positive impact.

As we face an ever-changing world, we are mindful of the challenges ahead, particularly the growing impacts of natural disasters and climate change that affect us all. We send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Vanuatu in the wake of the earthquake this week, and to those we have worked with and connected with over the years. You are in our hearts and we pray that you and your families are safe and well during this time.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2025 and beyond. From Janet Mackay, Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana, and the entire TRC team, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with resilience, prosperity, health, and exciting opportunities.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and dedication.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2025!

The TRC office will be closed from December 20th, reopening on January 6th.

18/12/2024

18/12/2024

The tourism industry stands at a pivotal moment, navigating a landscape shaped by evolving visitor expectations, global challenges, and increasing awareness of environmental and community impacts. Today’s travellers seek more than just picturesque landscapes and luxurious accommodations. They crave experiences that connect them deeply with the destinations they visit—encounters with local people, the chance to hear authentic stories, and opportunities to leave a positive legacy.

For the tourism sector, this marks both a challenge and an opportunity. It demands a change to innovative strategies centred around sustainable growth and destination stewardship, and ensuring we have a clear understanding of where we are, where we want to get to, and a roadmap of how we are going to do it. This approach goes beyond mere economic gain, focusing on community benefits, environmental care, and cultural preservation.

Read More on The Emerging Traveller Mindset and The Challenges Ahead: https://bit.ly/4gwGciu

The tourism industry stands at a pivotal moment, navigating a landscape shaped by evolving visitor expectations, global challenges, and increasing awareness of environmental and community impacts. Today’s travellers seek more than just picturesque landscapes and luxurious accommodations. They crav...