Sustainable tourism
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Northern Tasmania © Tourism Australia
Sustainable tourism preserves Australia’s natural and cultural assets, and respects local communities. It is central to the tourism industry’s future success.
Ensuring a future of sustainable tourism for Australia is one that balances the benefits of economic prosperity alongside the needs of protecting our environment, culture and communities.
Sustainable tourism includes respecting our natural environment, and helping to preserve Australia’s natural wonders and cultures, so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations
Research shows consumers are placing greater importance on sustainability across many aspects of their lives, including tourism:
- According to Tourism Australia’s Consumer Demand Project (2024), sustainability is a key consideration for travellers. 78 per cent of out-of-region travellers say sustainability is important to them in general, and more than two-thirds (69 per cent) say it is important to travel sustainably when going on holiday.
- Travellers are considering sustainability across all aspects of their travel. More than two-thirds (70 per cent) say they take sustainability into account when deciding where and how they travel, as well as when choosing activities, experiences, and purchases at their destination.
Our commitment
Tourism Australia places great importance on respecting and protecting the cultures, landscapes and wildlife that are integral to Australia’s appeal as a destination. We recognise that balancing growth, whilst protecting and enhancing our natural environment, nurturing our diverse cultures, especially those of our First Nations peoples, and empowering local communities, socially and economically, is key to a sustainable and prosperous future for Australia’s tourism industry.
Our efforts align with the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy, and its ambitions for the future to see that ‘Australia is a world leader in sustainable tourism, delivered by thriving businesses that protect the environment, respect and nurture cultures, and empower local communities.’
Tourism Australia also recognises the need for transparent sustainability reporting. Tourism Australia’s Emissions Reduction Plan outlines a strategic approach to achieving a more sustainable operational footprint. Other Plans, which align with the vision for shaping a sustainable future for tourism in Australia, include Tourism Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability and Inclusion Action Plan.
Resources for tourism operators
Starting your journey
The National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy and Sustainable Tourism Toolkit have been jointly developed by the Australian Government, and State and Territory governments. These resources, designed specifically for the visitor economy, seek to bring participants together behind a consistent approach to sustainable tourism in Australia.
- National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy
The Framework, the first of its kind for Australian tourism, provides a nationally agreed understanding of sustainable tourism and a vision for Australia to be a world leader in sustainable tourism. - Sustainable Tourism Toolkit
The Sustainable Tourism Toolkit provides practical guidance to help tourism businesses implement sustainable practices across the four pillars of sustainability outlined in the Framework.
Get assessed, accredited or certified
For businesses already implementing sustainability practices, you may consider undertaking formal training or seeking formal recognition by getting accredited or certified. There are many accreditation and certification schemes available to tourism businesses in Australia, along with pre-certification benchmarking tools. These programs can be either designed specifically for tourism businesses, or available to business across many industries.
Tourism-specific programs
- The Australian Tourism Industry Council’s Sustainable Tourism Accreditation and Emissions Reduction Program is for small, medium and regional tourism businesses. The programs have been updated to reflect the National Sustainability Framework.
- Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard pathway program is designed for tourism businesses looking to take their first steps towards measuring their sustainability efforts.
- Globally recognised specialist sustainability certification programs in Australia include EarthCheck and Ecotourism Australia, who both offer multiple certifications tailored to various business types and needs.
Other sustainability programs
- Other sustainability certification programs include standards for sustainable architecture and building design, such as NABERS, and cross-sector initiatives like B Corp. There are also environmental and climate action certifications, such as Climate Active, while ISO standards cover a broad range of areas including quality, energy management systems and sustainable events.
Sharing your story
Tourism operators and destinations with existing sustainability plans in place who want to communicate their sustainability efforts are encouraged review the ACCC’s Making Environmental Claims: A Guide for Business. This straightforward and easy to understand guidance explains the obligations under the Australian Consumer Law which businesses must comply with when making environmental and sustainability claims.
To support effective communication of sustainability efforts to global audiences, Tourism Australia partnered with EarthCheck to develop dedicated guides for tourism and hospitality operators, as well as destinations. Designed for those with established sustainability policies, commitments or action plans, these guides offer practical advice on sharing sustainability messaging with clarity and confidence.
Sustainability Storytellers
Read about some of Australia’s great tourism operators and storytellers who are committed to sustainability, with chapter three dedicated to navigating the path to Carbon Zero.
