Australian Government releases new framework and toolkit to drive sustainable tourism

Aiming to drive the long-term sustainability of Australian tourism, the Federal Government has unveiled a new National Sustainability Framework for the industry.

Described as the first of its kind for the Australian tourism sector, the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy and Sustainable Tourism Toolkit’s resources were launched by state and territory tourism ministers in Cairns yesterday.

Mindful that visitors are increasingly demanding sustainable tourism experiences, the resources are being backed by a commitment to collaborate on making our visitor economy more sustainable - backing Australian businesses to adapt and take advantage of this growing market.

Along with the Framework, ministers also launched a new Sustainability Toolkit to give tourism businesses clear and practical information on how to become more sustainable.

The free Toolkit provides a range of supportive guides to help tourism businesses implement sustainable practices, and communicate their sustainability stories to visitors.

This was the third formal meeting of state and territory tourism ministers - an important milestone in the Federal Government's commitment to delivering its THRIVE 2030 strategy.

Announcing the Framework, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell stated “a key action under THRIVE 2030 - Australia's national strategy for the long-term sustainable growth of the visitor economy - is the development of this Sustainability Framework, and the (Federal) Government has worked closely with state and territory colleagues to make this happen.

“Sustainability is essential for the future success and competitiveness of Australia's visitor economy. A sustainable, thriving tourism industry means jobs, growth, and infrastructure that benefits the community.

“I encourage tourism businesses to use the Sustainability Toolkit and draw on the practical advice provided to make their business more sustainable.”

ATIC welcomes new Framework
The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) has welcomed the launch of the new Framework, with ATIC Chief Executive, Erin McLeod stating “the Australian Tourism Industry Council congratulates Minister Farrell for delivering the new Sustainability Framework. ATIC will leverage our Sustainable Tourism Accreditation program to implement the framework with tourism businesses.

“ATICs Sustainable Tourism Accreditation is supported by the Australian Government and is the industry’s longest running sustainability program, with more than 3,000 participating businesses.”

The Australian Government has provided $8 million in funding to support ATICs suite of programs which assist small and regional tourism businesses enhance their quality, accessibility and sustainability.

The ATIC Sustainable Tourism Accreditation guides businesses to best practice standards across all pillars of sustainable tourism including environmental, social, cultural, commercial, staff and customers.

Click here for more information on the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy and Sustainable Tourism Toolkit.

Image shows ministers at yesterday's launch of the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy and Sustainable Tourism Toolkit, (from left): NSW Minister for Sport, the Arts, the Night-time Economy and Tourism, John Graham; Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell; Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, Stirling Hinchliffe; Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, Stirling Hinchcliff; South Australian Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison; and Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Environment, Outdoor Recreation, Steve Dimopoulos.