Austrade spotlights value of its Sustainable Tourism Toolkit for tourism businesses

July 23, 2024

A Tourism Research Australia national visitor survey reveals demand for nature-based tourism experiences has grown with visitors choosing to connect more with Australia's many unique natural and cultural assets.

From 2014 to 2023, nature-based activities among Australians saw an overall growth of 47% in demand. Some activities grew by almost 85%, and around 50% more people are enjoying Australia's stunning great outdoors.

What does this mean for tourism businesses?
Now is the perfect time for tourism businesses to embrace nature-based activities and make the most of this growing trend.

Enhancing products, experiences and visitor infrastructure are THRIVE 2030 priorities, with national parks and World Heritage Listed areas a key focus.

Tourism businesses can capitalise upon this increase in demand from visitors by investing in or partnering with other operators or stakeholders to grow nature-based experiences.

A practical sustainability toolkit
Austrade notes that “with Australia's natural assets attracting visitors, it's important we work to preserve them. According to Booking.com, 75% of travellers say they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months.

“Austrade’s Sustainable Tourism Toolkit helps tourism businesses understand how to become more sustainable to meet this growing demand.”

The toolkit was produced by Austrade in cooperation with Tourism Australia and all state and territory governments.

Being sustainable can benefit tourism businesses in many ways. It can:

reduce costs
attract customers
protect Australia's natural and cultural assets
increase resilience
improve the reputation of your business.

TRA's National Visitor Survey revealed growth in demand for the following activities since 2014:

Visiting botanic or public gardens saw an incredible 85% growth.
Bushwalking and rainforest walks grew significantly in popularity by 81%.
Visiting national or state parks grew by 73%, highlighting the importance of these protected areas.
Caravanning or camping saw 40% growth.
Cycling grew by 53%.
Visiting wildlife parks, zoos, and aquariums saw 46% growth, highlighting a love for our native animals.
Going to the beach is still a favourite pastime, growing by 44%.
Golfing grew by 44%.
Snorkelling grew by 38%, capitalising on our world-class reefs.
Whale or dolphin watching saw a 26% increase.
Visiting farms increased by 12%.
Surfing had 9% growth.
Fishing grew by 8%

The Sustainability Toolkit has practical, easy-to-understand information to help businesses get started on the path to sustainability. Download the toolkit on Austrade website.

Image. Quicksilver Pro Dive Cairns Diving Snorkelling. Credit: TNQ

1st April 2024 - Austrade undertaking industry consultation on next phase of THRIVE 2030 visitor economy strategy

26th March 2022 - Federal Government launches THRIVE 2030 strategy to rebuild tourism sector

3rd July 2024 - PHIST sustainable tourism event will encourage confrontation of conventional thinking

5th June 2024 - Global Sustainable Tourism Summit gets underway in Brisbane

4th June 2024 - Inaugural Global Sustainable Tourism Summit to delve into issues challenging the industry

24th May 2024 - Novotel Darwin CBD becomes Northern Territory’s first Sustainable Tourism Certified urban hotel

6th May 2024 - Big Red Group announced as major sponsor for 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Summit

26th April 2024 - $8 million secured for Abrolhos Islands sustainable tourism development

11th March 2024 - NSW Central Coast secures global green award for growing a sustainable tourism industry

14th February 2024 - Program and speakers announced for 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Summit

23rd January 2024 - Tropic Wings commits to sustainable tourism and launches new wildlife tour

23rd January 2024 - Ecotourism Australia announces keynote presenter for Global Sustainable Tourism Summit

9th January 2024 - Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort becomes first Sustainable Tourism Certified resort in North Queensland

15th November 2023 - Ecotourism Australia releases details for 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Summit

18th October 2023 - WTTC and Global Sustainable Tourism Council agree a three-stage hotel sustainability initiative

21st August 2023 - Tourism NT launches online sustainable tourism toolkit for Northern Territory operators

6th May 2023 - Ecotourism Australia encouraged by sustainable tourism demand at ATE23

18th April 2023 - Singapore achieves Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification as sustainable urban destination

4th April 2023 - Ecotourism Australia partnership sees sustainable tourism experiences showcased via ATDW

28th March 2023 - Ecotourism Australia certified business wins Sustainable Tourism Award

3rd July 2020 - Funding to assist development of Sustainable Tourism Toolkit for Central Victorian Goldfields

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