Palau takes centre stage in sustainable tourism conversation

Sydney, 19th May 2026: Travel Daily, Room-Res and the Palau Visitors Authority are bringing the industry together for an intimate discussion on sustainable tourism, conservation and the role the travel trade plays in protecting destinations for future generations.

The event, Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: In Conversation with Palau, will explore the Palau Pledge, responsible travel, destination stewardship and why Palau is becoming increasingly relevant for Australian travellers and the agents who support them.

Moderated by Jo-Anne Hui-Miller, Associate Publisher, Travel Daily, the discussion will bring together leaders in tourism and sustainability to explore how thoughtful collaboration, education and conservation can shape a more responsible future for travel.

Confirmed speakers include Laura Clarke, Honorary Consul General – Republic of Palau to Australia and Co-Founder of the Palau Pledge, and Onorina Fugawai, Tourism Manager, Pacific Trade Invest.

The panel will explore the realities and opportunities of sustainable tourism, how the industry can encourage more conscious travel behaviours, and how destinations can balance tourism growth with environmental and cultural preservation.

Palau has long been recognised as a global leader in conservation, with the pioneering Palau Pledge requiring every visitor to commit to protecting the destination’s environment and culture. The event will look at how the Australian travel trade can better educate clients about Palau’s conservation expectations, while also helping travellers understand why the destination should be on their radar.

Room-Res Co-Founder James Mooring said Palau offers the trade a genuinely meaningful destination story.

“Palau is one of those destinations that gives the travel trade a genuinely meaningful story to tell. It is spectacular, accessible and deeply committed to protecting what makes it so special.

“For agents, this is a great opportunity to better understand not just why clients should consider Palau, but how to talk about it in a way that supports responsible, thoughtful travel.”

As conversations around overtourism, conscious travel and long-term destination stewardship continue to shape the industry, Palau offers a compelling case study in sustainability-led tourism development.

With direct Qantas flights from Brisbane now making Palau more accessible for Australian travellers, the destination is expected to attract growing interest from agents looking for distinctive, nature-rich and responsible travel experiences for their clients.

Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: In Conversation with Palau will take place on Monday, 20 July at The Room Residence, The Rocks, Sydney.

Spaces are limited. Travel industry guests are invited to register their interest.