What is sustainable tourism?

The natural environment, our communities, cultures and businesses are all part of what makes up the tourism industry.

Sustainable tourism is about protecting and enhancing the natural environment and resources for future generations, whilst at the same time ensuring long-term economic and socio-cultural benefits.

Over the last 3 years operators in the Sustainable Tourism South Project have been incorporating sustainable business practices into their business plans.  By looking at their effect on the environment and the community whilst taking into account their staff, their clients, themselves and their financial bottom line they can save money and be a sustainable business in the long run.

The project has come along at a time of heightened awareness about environmental issues globally and visitors are increasingly looking at businesses environmental performances whilst on holiday in New Zealand. In fact the one of the outcomes in the recently revised New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 is that 'the tourism sector takes a leading role in protecting and enhancing the environment'