A new program to reduce the tourism industry’s carbon footprint will be trialled first in South Australia,
Ecotourism Australia’s new Climate Change Certification program will allow the travelling public to identify South Australian accommodation and tour operators who are committed to reducing their carbon emissions.
The South Australian Tourism Commission, together with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Protection Authority, is helping to fund this new, Australian-first certification program, which will be trialled in South Australia and Queensland in early 2008.
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says South Australia is the logical place to trial the new program, which aims to boost awareness of carbon offsetting in tourism.
“Our State is already a leader in the field of ecologically sustainable tourism development, with around 15% of the nation’s Eco Certified tourism operators based here,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
“The new Climate Change Certification will allow our tourism industry to take its environmental commitment to the next level.
“That won’t just be good for the environment, but also for the State’s economy, as more visitors come here to take holidays that minimise their carbon footprint.
“More than one million `nature-based’ visitors already come to South Australia each year. That number is set to climb, as increasing numbers of domestic and international travellers choose `green’ holiday experiences.
Valere Tjolle
