Tourism Queensland is embarking on an Australian first to implement a statewide sustainability program for the tourism industry. Their aim is to assist Queensland’s tourism regions to become sustainable tourism destinations and communities and position Queensland as a ‘leading’ destination in terms of climate change.
The program, titled ‘Sustainable Regions’, will initially be delivered through five pilot regions. EC3 Global is working with Tourism Queensland to deliver the pilot project in four out of five of these pilot regions – North Stradbroke Island, Winton, Airlie Beach and Pioneer Valley / Cape Hillsborough – with the fifth region being Magnetic Island.
EC3 Global, through the Sustainable Regions project, will work with up to 20 Queensland tourism operators in each of the regions to complete environmental audits and develop action plans. All participants will receive specifically designed workbooks to help them through the program and will have access to experienced environmental auditors. The action plans will be developed by the operators following an action planning workshop in their region and based on the findings of their audit. Each action plan will be specific to the operation and address key issues for the individual business.
The Sustainable Regions program will provide operators with the opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint and make cost savings through more efficient use of resources. Participants in the Sustainable Regions program will also experience an increased operator profile through promotion of their involvement and best practice achievements by the State Government, Local Government, their Regional Tourism Organisation and EC3 Global. It is expected that a key outcome of the project will be a cluster of operators who have integrated environmental practices into their operation in a way that enhances point of difference and provides them with a competitive advantage.
Tourism Queensland and EC3 Global will also work closely with the Local Government within each of the pilot regions to conduct an environmental audit of the region. This audit will utilise statewide environmental indicators previously developed by Tourism Queensland for the tourism industry. Based on this audit and consultation with various local authorities and tourism operators, regional action plans will also be developed that will address key issues for the region.
Sustainable Regions provides an opportunity for operators, Local Government and other community groups to work together to build a more sustainable destination. The pilot program is due for completion in October 2009.