Sunshine Coast urges visitors to take time out of technology

Sunshine Coast urges visitors to take time out of technology
By admin


A new smartphone code of conduct and dedicated “unplugged zones” aim to get visitors to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to switch off their devices and be fully present in their experiences.

The Smarter Smartphone Code of Conduct (SSCOC), devised by Tourism and Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Destination in partnership with British technology expert Dr Tom Chatfield, features a seven point plan and makes the destination the first to tackle the issue of “smartphone dependency”.

A recent TEQ-commissioned study by Galaxy Research found that 55% of Aussies believe they could not last 24 hours without their smartphone, while 65% keep teir phone “within arm’s reach” throughout the day.

“The code of conduct encourages us to become aware of our ingrained habits by making small, incremental changes to our behaviour. By making a real effort to alter our relationship with our phones, we can take back control of our own time, attention and relationships with others,” Chatfield said.

“This doesn’t mean technology is bad, toxic or something we need to give up. Rather, we need to become technology gourmets and learn how to pick and choose how we use it.”

SCDL chief executive Simon Ambrose said the plan could help visitors “better their lives”.

“By encouraging visitors to put down their phones and make the most of the moment while on holidays, the Sunshine Coast is leading the way with a real solution rather than technology taking over our lives,” he said.

Key tourist attractions across the region such as UnderWater World and Aussie World have embraced the new strategy along with a number of hotels, restaurants and transport companies.

Check out the seven point plan below:

1. Avoid being a search-it-all

Make the most of the moment and seek out your own special corner of the coast.

2. Elbows and phones off the table
Make the most of the moment with great food and company.

3. Kiss your phone goodnight
Make the most of your night with a restful night’s sleep or some romance.

4. Look before you snap
Make the most of the moment and take in this truly breathtaking place.

5. Take a phone-free day
Make the most of the moment and experience nature without distractions.

6. Talk now, text later
Make the most of the moment and enjoy this precious time together.

7. Taste before you upload
Make the most of the moment and savour every mouthful.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]