Sustainable tourism program to create ‘guilt free’ Queensland holidays
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 01 2009
2009 >>

In an Australian first, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor today launched Tourism Queensland’s landmark sustainability project, the first statewide sustainable tourism project implemented in Australia.

Mr Lawlor said the aim of the project was to adopt practices that would reduce the environmental impact of tourism and encourage visitors to view Queensland as a sustainable tourism destination.

“When people think of holidaying in Queensland, we want them to feel assured it will be a ‘guilt-free’ experience as far as climate change, carbon footprints or environmental impact are concerned,” he said.

“Today’s launch marks the start of a new era, with Tourism Queensland piloting sustainable tourism practices that will be rolled out right across the state.

“Under the Sustainable Regions for Queensland project, Tourism Queensland will work with regional operators to transform Queensland into a domestically and internationally-recognised sustainable tourism destination.

“Through this project Tourism Queensland will assist Queensland’s tourism operators to adopt best-practice sustainable tourism operations, helping to transform Queensland regions into sustainable destinations and communities.”

Mr Lawlor said Sustainable Regions for Queensland will be carried out in partnership with EC3, ecoBiz, ecoFund, Kleinhardt Sustainability and Eco-Efficiency Group and with regional tourism operators.

“Tourism Queensland will work with regional tourism operators from the bottom up, focusing on the grassroots-level and identifying and implementing actions within regions to make ongoing sustainable tourism a reality,” he said.

“Already there are a number of regional tourism operators successfully engaged in sustainable tourism practices and this project will set a example for operators to make it easier and more viable to implement sustainable practices.

“With consumer awareness of carbon footprints constantly growing, now is the time to adopt practices that will reduce the environmental impact of tourism.”

Mr Lawlor said the project will be piloted in five regions: Stradbroke Island, Winton, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Pioneer Valley/Cape Hillsborough, with the support of several handpicked local champions.

“For Stradbroke Island the champions include the Councillor for North Stradbroke and Cleveland, Craig Ogilvie, Stradbroke Ferries, Moreton Bay Research Station, Straddie Kingfisher Tours and Sea Stradbroke,” he said.


“Queensland has some of the most amazing natural environments and experiences on the planet, so it is in all of our best interests to protect and sustain the natural beauty of our state.

“Queensland tourism operators are perfectly positioned to take the front foot with sustainable tourism, capitalising on the range of nature-based and sustainable tourism experiences Queensland is fortunate to have.

“More than 18 million domestic and international visitors came to Queensland in the 12 months to March 2009, spending $18.8 billion and directly supporting 119,000 Queensland jobs.

“The Queensland Government is committed to increasing sustainable tourism across the state and will continue to work to ensure the future of Queensland’s tourism industry remains bright.”

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:34 PM