The global population is rapidly expanding and the availabilty of natural resources is declining. Expert scientific advice confirms that human activity is altering the climate, which is likely to lead to a wide range of impacts. Climate change poses social, environmental and economic risks that demand a radical change in how we live.
Governments, businesses, communities and individuals are taking action to try to reduce consumption of precious natural resources and minimise greenhouse gas emissions generated by their everyday activities.
This section of the tourismnt.com.au website is dedicated to providing the Territory's tourism industry with tools, information and resources to help businesses improve environmental performance, including:
The Northern Territory Tourism Strategic Plan 2008-2012 (PDF, 2.3MB) identifies the necessary components for the continual growth and sustainability of the tourism industry. One of the five crucial themes outlined within the plan is 'Enhancing Environmental Sustainability.'
Why do we need to go green?
Increasing concern for the environment and the threat of climate change is affecting tourism trends and travel behaviour. The Northern Territory’s tourism industry depends heavily on nature-based, outdoor attractions and activities. Favourable climatic conditions at destinations are a key motivator for visitors and a positive influence on demand. Changes in temperature, rainfall, seasonality, and rising sea levels will have a range of impacts on our natural heritage and its biodiversity, and therefore the tourism industry.
Tourism contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions which are largely generated by transporting and accommodating tourists. The aviation industry has been actively targeted in the media as a contributor to climate change, which presents a risk to long haul destinations like Australia, and an even greater risk to more remote destinations like the Northern Territory.
Research shows consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment, and the sustainability and carbon impact of their travel decisions. There will be increasing demand for ‘green’ travel products and services in the future. Travel intermediaries are starting to respond to this demand, and are seeking opportunities to market ‘green’ products.
Government action to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, through the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, will have a flow on effect for everyone. For tourism enterprises, costs of business inputs (particularly energy and fuel) will increase, as will the costs of the goods and services a business purchases. The cost of domestic air travel will also increase. Government policies in our core international markets will also have an impact on the cost of international airfares.
A call to action
A window of opportunity exists for the tourism industry to prepare for changing travel trends relating to climate change.
With increasing consumer concern for the environment, increasing costs of doing business and the increasing cost of travel facing our industry, tourism businesses in the NT must respond by adopting sustainable operating practices.
Adopting sustainable practices can make substantial savings in operational costs and can give tourism businesses a competitive advantage by attracting the growing number of environmentally conscious travellers seeking greener tourism products.
As the Northern Territory’s natural and cultural heritage assets are fundamental to our global tourism appeal, and are broadly accepted as the building blocks of our future, it is critical that we focus on the impacts of climate change and work together to adapt our products to create a more sustainable future. Tourism NT can work with your business to help you develop a plan to improve your environmental performance.
Every business has a responsibility to help conserve our natural environment.
Start your business on the path to Going Green >>
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