One of the world’s leading animal welfare activists is heading to Australia for a major travel conference.
Jill Robinson, MBE, (pictured above far left) founded Animals Asia in 1998, hoping 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 almost 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.
Now Ms Robinson will give attendees at the 2024 Travellers Choice Conference a first-hand account of her important work.
The opportunity for Robinson to address the 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.
“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,” said Christian Hunter, Managing Director, Travellers Choice.
“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.”
Themed ‘Travelution’, the conference takes place from November 1-3 at the Hilton Sydney. The event will also feature dual Guinness World Record-holder James ‘Cas’ Castrission, one of Australia’s most revered adventurers, 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.
