One of the world’s leading animal welfare activists, Jill Robinson MBE, is travelling to Sydney next month to give attendees at the 2024 Travellers Choice Conference a first-hand account of her extraordinary work in Asia.
In 1998, five years after encountering a caged bear on a farm in southern China, Robinson founded Animals Asia to put an end to the cruel practice of bear bile farming and improve the long-term welfare of animals across the region.
The organisation has since rescued close to 700 bears and now runs sanctuaries in Vietnam and China. It has also helped improve the quality of veterinary care in both countries and trained locals to launch new ethical tourism programs.
The opportunity for Robinson to address the 2024 Travellers Choice Conference arose after a group of top-selling Travellers Choice members travelled to Vietnam earlier this year as guests of Adventure World.
During the ‘Travel with Purpose’ trip, the agents – all recipients of the group's coveted Choice Awards – visited Animal Asia's sanctuary in Tam Dao in northern Vietnam.
Travellers Choice Managing Director Christian Hunter says the agents were “blown away” by the organisation and its ability to not only transform the lives of rescued animals but to work with governments and local communities to drive long-term change.
“It is impossible not to be touched when you hear about bears that have spent 20 years in shocking conditions finally being released into the sanctuary and walking on grass for the first time,” says Hunter.
“We wanted to do something to help Jill and her passionate team spread the message and further their cause. We’re incredibly grateful to Adventure World for sponsoring Jill to attend the conference and we’re excited to explore how our company can offer ongoing support to Animals Asia.”
Hunter says Travellers Choice members are also keen to understand more about the concept of purposeful travel, and how they can cater to the growing demand among Australian consumers – particularly younger travellers – to incorporate activities in their holidays that reflect their individual values and passions.
“By taking our group to the Animals Asia sanctuary in Vietnam, Adventure World provided a powerful example of how such activities can elevate a great trip to something unforgettable and potentially life changing.”
Themed
‘Travelution’, the 2024 Travellers Choice Conference takes place from 1-3 November at the Hilton Sydney. The event will also feature dual Guinness World Record-holder James 'Cas' Castrission, one of Australia’s most revered adventurers and founder of
MyAdventure Group, who will help members embrace the “explorer mindset”.
In addition, delegates will participate in networking sessions, panel discussions, a Preferred Supplier Exhibition, and the Travellers Choice National Awards Gala Dinner.