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AusLeisure

THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY

 
 
 

Author

Nigel Benton

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.

Beijing to host Modern Pentathlon Obstacle World Championships from 2025 to 2028

The International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) has announced that the Chinese capital of Beijing will host the first four editions of its new UIPM Obstacle World Championships, running from…

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Apr 11, 2025 Nigel Benton Events / Sport /

 
 

United Nations warns of artificial intelligence creating a widening digital divide

With artificial intelligence (AI) on course to become a US$4.8 trillion global market by 2033 - roughly the size of Germany’s economy - a newly released report from the United…

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Apr 7, 2025 Nigel Benton Government / Technology /

 
 

Agoda survey shows sustainability a key focus for rising number of Asian travellers

The 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey from hotel booking platform Agoda has ranked Asia’s most sustainability-conscious travellers, with those from the Philippines in the top position…

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Apr 2, 2025 Nigel Benton Environment / Tourism /

 
 

Fire engulfs building work at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Works on extending Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi have been halted by a major fire. The fire, which commenced in an under-construction area of the waterpark on Friday afternoon, was brought under…

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Mar 29, 2025 Nigel Benton Aquatics / Safety / Tourism / Waterparks /

 
 

World Athletics to introduce genetic testing to assess transgender athlete participation

In a move to combat trans athlete participation in its events, World Athletics has advised that it will introduce genetic testing for female athletes to verify biological sex. While no…

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Mar 27, 2025 Nigel Benton Sport / Technology /

 
 

Stadium at Victoria Park confirmed as main Brisbane 2032 Games venue

A controversial revisiting of plans to build a 63,000 capacity stadium as the main venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics has been announced today by Queensland Premier David…

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Mar 25, 2025 Nigel Benton Aquatics / Government / Recreation / Sport / Venues /

 
 

MENALAC Chief Executive conclave looks at shaping the future of attractions

With the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s attractions and entertainment industry poised for strong growth - expansion driven by major investments - the Middle East and North…

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Mar 25, 2025 Nigel Benton Attractions / Entertainment / Finance / Tourism / Waterparks /

 
 
 
Nigel Benton - Australasian Leisure Management
 

search ausleisure

AusLeisure

THE LEADING SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE LEISURE INDUSTRY

 
 
 

Authors

Joanne Efendi

Project & Events Officer, SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia.

Joanne Efendi is Project & Events Officer at SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia.

Chris Maher

Managing Editor, SPLASH!

Chris Maher is a writer, editor, journalist and public affairs expert with extensive experience writing and consulting across a wide range of industries including building & architecture, travel & entertainment, banking & finance and information technology.

He has been published in most mainstream newspapers and many niche publications, and his travel writing is studied in Australian high schools.

He is a published author of three series of children's books. Among other roles, he is currently editor of SPLASH! magazine, and is working on another two children's books and novel.

Declan Gillard-Martin

Brand Manager Australasian Leisure Management / SPASA

Declan Gillard-Martin is Brand Manager for Australasian Leisure Management / SPASA.

Adelaide-based Gillard-Martin has a solid industry background, holding a number of roles across the commercial and community aquatics industry - most recently with Royal Life Saving Society - South Australia, as General Manager Operations, and as Chief Executive of public safety-focused organisation, Quack Group.

A volunteer Surf Lifesaver, with a working career in local government, for facility manager BlueFit and the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Gillard-Martin also spent years as a high-performance swimmer and triathlete.

Lindsay McGrath

Chief Executive, Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia

A founding Director of several not-for-profit trade associations and one global alliance, McGrath advises "I enjoy adding value to the wider community. With experience at both board and executive levels, I bring a blend of efficient governance and commercial acumen to drive a strong growth mind set to any group.

"I have had the privilege to lead in the creation of several new trade qualifications across Australasia, and the unification of the federated regions to form one Swimming Pool and Spa Association."

Robert McMurtrie

Founder and Director, Sportspeople Recruitment

A former Chief Executive/Event Director for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and CEO, Netball Australia Robert McMurtrie founded industry recruitment service Sportspeople Recruitment in 1996.

Sportspeople Recruitment rapidly grew to become the industry's largest recruitment service.

He is presently Sportspeople Recruitment’s Director, Talent and Search.

Kate Cracknell

Journalist/editor/content creator

As the former editor of Health Club Management magazine, Kate is one of the world's leading journalists covering the global fitness industry.

She is an authoritative and in-demand content creator working with a range of leading fitness brands.

Click here to view her LinkedIn profile.