Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Overview

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1 Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Overview Introduction Our mission is to operate a business that reveals the wonders of spectacular wilderness locations. We strive to educate and excite all who visit and to create a legacy of conservation. Our ultimate aim is to use our financial success to reinvest into the local community and the environment that we live and work in. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is a Tasmanian family business founded by Robert Pennicott in Over eighteen years it has grown to become one of Australia s leading tourism operators. It has six tourism products, employs 95 staff and hosts over 100,000 visitors each year. In recent years the company has won 12 Australian Tourism Awards. It won Australia s Best Tourist Attraction in 2012, 2014 & 2015 and was inducted into the prestigious Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism. This success recognises the company s commitment to delivering a quality product, superior customer service, innovative practices, and sustainable growth. Sustainability is at the heart of the operation and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is genuinely dedicated to operating in harmony with the environment and local community. Wherever possible the business employs local staff, purchases from local suppliers and donates directly to schools and community groups. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is 100% Carbon Offset and it performs better than global best practice for efficient fuel, energy and water use. The company also directly contributes to conservation through its own charity, the Pennicott Foundation. 13 Boats 106, Staff $3.5 Million $3.8 Million In the Company s Current Fleet Passengers in 2016 Currently Employed Wages Paid in 15/16 Local Purchases in 15/16 Current Products Since 1999 Since 2007 Since 2012 Since 2013 Since 2013 Since

2 Bruny Island Cruises & Tasman Island Cruises The company is best known for Bruny Island Cruises & Tasman Island Cruises. Bruny Island Cruises is based at Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. This cruise takes guests along the coastline of the South Bruny National Park from Adventure Bay to The Friars, return. Iron Pot Tasman Island Cruises is based at Port Arthur. This cruise travels the coastline of the Tasman National Park between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck. Both cruises take 3 hours and travel along towering sea cliffs among the tallest in the world. These have been sculptured by wind and waves to form dramatic deep-sea caves, blowholes and sea stacks. There are regular sightings of abundant wildlife including Australian Fur Seals, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins and migrating whales. Spectacular birdlife also graces the skies including magnificent albatross, gannets, cormorants, eagles, gulls and rafts of thousands of shearwaters. In order to enhance the interaction of guests with this incredible environment, the company designed its own vessels in partnership with Naiad (New Zealand) and builder Kirby Marine (Western Australia). The manoeuvrability of these distinctive yellow vessels allows them to go into the deep sea caves, nose up to the blowhole and navigate between sea stacks and the sheer cliffs along the island s coast. Their open-air design allows 43 guests to immerse themselves in their surroundings, engaging all of their senses. They are sensitive to the environment with outboard engines that are low emission, highly-fuel efficient and quiet in their operation. A team of local guides accompany guests for the journey, providing an entertaining and informative interpretation. They aim to educate each guest and foster an understanding of the coastal scenery, history, geology and wildlife found in this pristine environment. 2

3 Bruny Island Traveller The Bruny Island Traveller is a fully-inclusive six-course gourmet day tour. Every course on the menu is a stop along the journey, allowing guests to meet the makers and indulge in their delicious artisan produce: Bruny Island Cheese Company Get Shucked Oyster Farm Bruny Island Berry Farm Bruny Island Premium Wines HIBA Bruny Island Fudge Bruny Island House of Whisky This land-based tour departs from Hobart and takes small groups of up to 18 guests around Bruny Island, accompanied by a highly-trained local guide. Throughout the day guests also explore Bruny Island s beautiful scenery. There are short walks along pristine deserted beaches and in the South Bruny National Park. Guests also enjoy a wild encounter with white wallabies at the company s private bush reserve. Tasmanian Seafood Seduction Tasmanian Seafood Seduction is a world-first seafood experience. This full-day cruise departs from Hobart, taking guests from the hustle-and-bustle of the city into the calm waters surrounding Bruny Island. Here the guides pull fresh oysters from the pristine waters, which are shucked and served in seconds. The guides jump in and snorkel to catch abalone and sea urchin. This seafood bounty is prepared and served on the boat accompanied by rock lobster, salmon, mussels, bread, artisan cheese, local wines, boutique beers, ciders and juices. Robert Pennicott worked with Naiad (New Zealand) and builder Kirby Marine (Western Australia) to create three unique new 12-seat boats for these cruises. The vessels feature a spacious enclosed cabin, luxury leather seats and a kitchen to prepare the gourmet seafood experience. Tasmanian Seafood Seduction was the winner of Australia s Best New Tourism Development at the Australian Tourism Awards in

4 Iron Pot Cruises Iron Pot Cruises is a 2½ hour cruise from Hobart, exploring the picturesque suburbs along the majestic Derwent River. Guests cruise in comfort aboard the brand new 12-seat vessels. At the Iron Pot Australia s oldest lighthouse, guides share the fascinating history of early shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers and their families. The journey explores Betsey Island, totally deserted except for hundreds of nesting seabirds. There is certainly a lot to see, including beautiful beaches, sea cliffs, gulches and caves. Three Capes Track On the 23 rd December 2015, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service launched the Three Capes Track. This multi-day walking experience takes in spectacular views to Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul. The Three Capes Track journey begins at the Port Arthur Historic Site, where walkers join a 75-minute cruise operated by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys aboard a custom-built 30-seat catamaran The Blade. The cruise concludes by dropping off walkers at Denmans Cove, where they begin a four-day threenight journey. The track is 46 kilometres of cliff-hugging wilderness taking in tall eucalypt forests, lush rainforest, sparkling bays, colourful coastal heathland and abundant wildlife. At the end of each day, walkers relax and enjoy sweeping views from high quality huts. The communal dining areas have generous benches with cooking stoves, whilst sleeping areas have bunk rooms with comfortable mattresses. The walk concludes at Fortescue Bay with a bus connection back to the Port Arthur Historic Site, also operated by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Bookings for the Three Capes Track are managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. The experience includes hut accommodation, Port Arthur Historic Site entry, as well as the boat cruise and bus transfer provided by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. 4

5 Awards Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has won multiple awards which recognise its high level of excellence in business management, new product development and sustainable operation. The most recent accolade was a prestigious SKAL International Sustainable Tourism Award Other awards for include: Australia s Best Tourist Attraction 2012, 2014 & 2015 Australia s Best Ecotourism Product 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 Excellence in Sustainable Tourism 2012, 2013, 2014 Australia s Best New Tourism Development 2014 Bruny Island Cruises Bruny Island Cruises Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Tasmanian Seafood Seduction Best Tourist Attraction 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Best Ecotourism Product 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 Sustainable Tourism 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Best New Tourism Development Tasman Island Cruises 2008 Tas Seafood Seduction 2014 Bruny Island Cruises Bruny Island Cruises In addition to the above awards, Robert Pennicott has also achieved a number of personal accolades relating to his business achievements with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys: Australian Tourism Legend at the Australian Tourism Awards 2014 Tourism Australia Restaurant Australia Ambassador 2014 National Geographic Traveler of the Year 2012 Tasmanian Australian of the Year 2012 Tasmanian Tourism Minister s Champion 2011 Inducted into Tourism Australia s prestigious Friends of Australia program in

6 Sustainability Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is genuinely committed to sustainable operation. This section outlines some of the important initiatives that are in place, which would be replicated in Victoria. Environmentally Sensitive Operation Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has been Eco-Certified since Advanced Ecotourism Certification is awarded only after a stringent assessment of the company s tourism products, interaction with the environment, ethical marketing, quality interpretation, business infrastructure and operational procedures. All of the company s products operate in sensitive wilderness environments and this accreditation certifies that Pennicott Wilderness Journeys meets the highest standard of bestpractice operation. The company is audited bi-annually to verify continual compliance with the certification standard. I was extremely impressed from the outset with the professional presentation and genuine responsiveness to all aspects of the audit. It is obvious that the company has gone to a great deal of trouble to ensure that it meets the requirements of its Advanced Ecotourism certification. All policies and procedures were thoroughly documented and there is an evident commitment to continuous improvement. - Ecotourism Australia Auditor 100% Carbon Offset Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has been 100% carbon offset with Greening Australia since The 2015/16 donation was $55,000 making it a total of $330,450 donated to date. This contribution has offset the company s CO 2 emissions more than five times. 100% Carbon Offset The current project is a 1,000 hectare restoration near the township of Ross in Tasmania s Midlands. Invasive plant species are being removed and replaced with natives. There are over 100,000 plantings which not only store carbon, they also link critical habitat to allow birds, bandicoots, bettongs and other wildlife to move across the landscape. The University of Tasmania is undertaking two research studies within this biodiversity restoration program. The results of this research will significantly influence Greening Australia s work on other landscape restoration projects right across Australia. The sites are not only sequestering carbon dioxide well in excess of the CO 2 emissions of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, they are also restoring degraded landscapes in Tasmania, and providing cutting edge research data on carbon yields above ground and below ground, biodiversity impacts of climate change and restoration ecology in the highest priority landscapes in Tasmania. Jonathan Duddles, Director of Strategic Engagement at Greening Australia 6

7 EarthCheck Global Benchmarking Since 2008, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has monitored its energy, water and waste through the EarthCheck system. This provides a standardised format for the business to monitor its performance, which is benchmarked against similar operations globally. Carefully considered strategies have enabled Pennicott Wilderness Journeys to perform above global best practice standard for all indicators. The following table outlines Pennicott Wilderness Journeys results for 2015/16 and also its performance relative to EarthCheck s international best practice standard. Energy Use Water Use Waste Output Net CO 2 Emissions 4.9 MJ / RPKM 0.1 litres / RPKM litres / RPKM None 22% better than global best practice 80% better than global best practice 100% better than global best practice 100% carbon offset MJ = Megajoules RPKM = Revenue Passenger Kilometres Contributing to the Community Supporting Local Organisations Pennicott Wilderness Journeys places a high importance on ensuring its success benefits the local community. Some of the initiatives include: Wherever possible goods and services are sourced from local suppliers. In 2015/16, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys purchased $3.8 Million from local firms. Bruny Island Traveller highlights local cheese, oysters, salmon, meat, bread, fudge, berries, wine and whisky as part of the tour. This has delivered $466,000 in annual direct revenue for these businesses in 2015/16. In 2015/16, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys purchased $148,000 worth of locally made goods to sell in its retail store, including jewellery, scarves, woodwork, cards, books and produce. In 2015/16 Pennicott Wilderness Journeys donated over $75,000 worth of cruise tickets to over 300 clubs, charity groups and schools for raffles, auctions, quiz nights and other fundraisers. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has paid for the entire Bruny Island School Learn to Swim program for the past 15 years, at a cost of around $2,000 each year. Employment & Training Opportunities for Local Staff The company endeavours to provide employment and training opportunities for local staff. $3.5 Million in wages were paid to staff on Bruny Island, Huon/Channel, Tasman Peninsula and Hobart during 2015/16. 7

8 Involvement with Local Indigenous Culture The company also has an active relationship with the local Indigenous community. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has been careful to consult with Aboriginal elders to ensure that their history is shared appropriately as part of the interpretation. The company also regularly hosts Indigenous groups on its cruises most recently a group of students during NAIDOC week joined a cruise and their teachers later wrote that the cruise ignited wonderment, cultural meaning and a strong sense of recognition for our students. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has also assisted a local Indigenous group to launch tours on kunanyi (Mount Wellington). Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has provided mentoring advice as well as $1,500 in financial assistance to help the founders establish this new venture. Rescues In the past year there have been over 20 instances where the business has rescued mariners and their vessels, such as towing a 14m catamaran that capsized in the Derwent River. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys also assists in marine conservation activities, such as the release of a stranded dolphin. This type of rescue assistance is always provided free of charge. Contributing to Education Programs Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is also a significant contributor to community education. It is part of a local Business Partnership Group through the Beacon Foundation where educational institutions, government and industry work together to reduce youth unemployment in the local community. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys donated $5,000 to the local Woodbridge High School to fund the purchase of ipads for student education. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys hosted 22 students for a week s work experience, giving young people practical experience across all areas of the business. The company operates cruises for school groups at below-cost rates (sometimes even free) so that the next generation can have an engaging environmental experience. 8

9 The Pennicott Foundation Pennicott Wilderness Journeys operates its own charity, the Pennicott Foundation, which enables the company to donate directly to conservation and community projects. The company covers the entire cost of administering the fund, meaning that every cent donated to the Pennicott Foundation goes directly towards charity outcomes. The company is a proud contributor to a variety of wildlife rehabilitation projects including the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, Raptor & Wildlife Refuge, Roaring Beach Wildlife Rescue and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Each year the business donates its vessels to assist with the release of rehabilitated birds back into the wild. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys also supports and undertakes a variety of coastal clean-ups. This directly resulted in over 100,000 pieces of rubbish being removed from beaches across Tasmania. In 2010 $100,000 was donated to assist the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service to eradicate feral cats from Tasman Island. As a result of the successful eradication, 50,000 seabirds are being saved each year. The success of the Tasman Island restoration was duplicated in 2016 on Big Green Island (part of the Furneaux Group in Bass Strait). A rat population as high as 10,000 was decimating the island s population of 45,000 breeding seabirds. 2,200 bait stations were installed across the 125 hectare island. The project is now entering a monitoring phase over the next 12 months before the eradication can be declared a success. Each year Pennicott Wilderness Journeys donates at least 25% of its profits towards conservation or community projects. As the business grows into the future, so too will the scale of this philanthropic contribution. 9

10 Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Dock Head Building, Franklin Wharf Hobart Tasmania 7000 Australia Phone: info@pennicottjourneys.com.au 10