When the organisers of the December 6th Tourism Resilience Forum approached prospective speakers to participate in the Forum the tourism academics were quick to indicate their participation and  support.

The speaking lineup includes an wealth of academic talent from the University of NSW, International College of Management, Southern Cross University and University of Technology Sydney.

However in recent days the tourism industry has now come on board and the Forum is now includes an incredble lineup of industry leaders and experts.

Confirmed Travel industry speakers include:

Sharon Hannaford: Chair of ANTOR Association of National Tourist Office Representatives

Peter Baily: General Manager Council of Australian Tour Operators

Tony Webber: Chief Economist of Qantas

Justine Coopper: Acting Marketing Director of Tourism NSW

Mandy Scotney: Executive Director of the Travel Industry Careers Association who is also Executive General Manager House of Travel

Adrian Caruso CEO of TA Fastrack and one of Austraia's most dynamic professional tourism coaches. 

The opening address of the forum will be given by Justin Morgan who is the General Manager of American Express Business Travel who will provide, as only AMEX can, a global and Australian coverage of tourism's eceonomic horizon.

In addition, Mike Da Silva the CEO of MDSA Promotion and Marketing a globally acknowledged expert and leader on the use of promotions to sell travel has a agreed to speak, along with industry on line sector leader Peter Smith, CEO of Zuji Australia.

Many of the presentations will bring stories of success which should inspire attendees that there are lots of silver linings to the current economic clouds.

Justine Cooper from Tourism NSW has a great story to tell of Tourism NSW's  highly successful marketing campaign which has significantly boosted tourism within the state.

Mandy Scotney is very upbeat about employment prospects in the tourism industry.

Sharon Hannaford will provide a global perspective on how destination marketing organisations successfully kick start tourism in the face of adversity. Sharon's own brilliant work in promoting Papua New Guinea and her previous experience with PATA make her well qualified to inspire her industry colleagues.

An integral part of the forum will be the illustration of success stories in which tourism has overcome the odds.  They include PATA's outstanding Project Phoenix which revitalized tourism in the Asia Pacific region after 2003 SARS scare.

The Forum will not just be a day to listen to speeches..All atttendees wil have ample opportunity to develop strategies which will work for your own businesses whether you are a travel agent, hotelier, tour operator, cruise specialist. Attendees will receive copies of all major presentations, and enjoy moring and afternoon teas, a working buffet lunch and some well earned drinks at the end of the conference.

The organisers of the Tourism Resilience Forum hope that tourism professionals will spend December 6th with some pre Chritmas inspiration to ensure the prospertity of your business into the year ahead.

As new speakers and panelist scome aboard we will keep you posted.

A Report by The Mole