Steve Irwin’s death yesterday has had a strange effect on people all over the world. Many of us who did not know him personally, are devastated by the news and are in a state of disbelief.

Steve’s Australia Zoo in Queensland is truly a world class tourist attraction. The attention to detail and the level of service is very impressive. As soon as people arrive they sense that they are about to experience something very special. And walking through the zoo, you get the feeling that Steve and his wife Terri have spared no expense to make sure their animals are nurtured and well cared for.

In early 2004, I was very fortunate to see Steve in action with his family at the Australia Zoo. Steve was entertaining, charismatic and very passionate about his family, his wildlife, his country and the environment. During the show he announced that he had made a mistake taking his little baby boy into the crocodile enclosure the day before and that he was very sorry the incident had occured. For many of us in the audience, we were surprised that a well known celebrity was willing to make himself so vulnerable by delivering a heartfelt apology in front of hundreds of people. He won my respect and admiration on that day and I think the biggest impression he made with many of us was his courage expressing his emotions and standing by his personal values around his family.

Steve Irwin led by example. An ambassador for wildlife, the environment and a true leader and role model for the travel and tourism industry. He was an inspiration to many people around the world and a fine example of a person who followed his heart and lived his life to the fullest. Steve Irwin - “simply the best.”

Our sympathy and best wishes to his family.

To contribute to Steve’s conservation charity Wildlife Warriors Worldwide go to www.wildlifewarriors.org.au.

The first day of spring and Sydney has been showing off! In the middle of the city Sydneysiders were strutting their stuff in the new season’s fashions, with short sleeves and a springy attitude. Clear blue skies, warm 24 degree day (Celsius that is) , sparkling harbour water and beds of spring flowers. Yes, when Sydney shows off, it does it so well that you forget that only last week it was still winter and you were wearing your favourite winter jacket.

Today in Sydney’s famous Hyde Park there were workers and tourists alike shedding jackets and shoes and just chilling out on the grass. Ahhh Sydney, we really really really love Sydney.

Talking about showoffs! Australian singer and US reality star Toby Rand, is currently doing a very good job as an unpaid ambassador and living ad for Australia. According to SMH he is one of the favourites in the reality show Rockstar: Supernova, and is not shy when it comes to proudly displaying the Australian flag on television whilst educating US audiences on the use of the word “bloody”. Apparently Toby has a very good chance of winning the opportunity to sing with the all-star band “Supernova” featuring Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Jason Newstead (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns ‘n Roses).

With 10 contestants gone and only 5 left, we wish Toby well and hope that he continues to strut his stuff. (Oh and by the way, Toby’s from Melbourne!)

One of the great things about the internet is the amount of information that is freely available about the travel and tourism industry. While destinations may be unique and languages and cultures a point of differentiation, travel businesses and tourism organisations around the world share similar challenges, highs and lows. Here are a few quotes this month from the industry.

India - Rajeev Nangia from Trac
“…tourism is about testing out new and unconventional trends and, in the process, leaving no stone unturned to promote the country.” 

Israel - The Jerusalem Post
“We were forecasting 2.4 million tourists for the year but now we feel we will be lucky to see 1.6 million,” said one tourism industry official.

Australia - Don Richter, Tourism Victoria
“The internet is a dream machine for niche marketing.”

New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive - Fiona Luhrs
“The tourism industry is in good heart and there is widespread support for the approach laid out by the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010, that New Zealand should position itself as a niche destination for high-end travellers who have the time and money to appreciate what we have to offer. We do not want to become a mass-market, low-cost destination.”

United States - Jan Freitag, TN based Smith Travel Research
“It is interesting to see despite increased Department of Homeland Security Measures and passport controls it has not deterred travelers. The weak dollar is making the U.S. a strong travel destination.”