The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has applauded the efforts of hundreds of tourism operators across Queensland who are working to address climate change head-on.

QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said Queensland was home to incredibly passionate and proactive tourism operators who were embracing positive environmental initiatives and presenting innovative solutions.

As highlighted in a new report by the Climate Council, changes to the climate will have an impact on our natural environment and our way of life.

Gschwind said Queensland’s tourism industry was proactive in policy development, advocacy and raising awareness, commenting “our tourism operators work as guardians of our natural environment, including the Great Barrier Reef – it’s important that the community gets behind their efforts to protect and preserve Queensland’s famous natural icons.

“We’ve been committed for well over a decade to working with industry and government at all levels to ensure tourism operators are best prepared to adapt to the changing climate and build strategies and mitigation measures.

“In the past week we have heard from more than 100 operators in Cairns and the Whitsundays providing input into the Tourism Sector Climate Change Adaptation Plan – a plan being prepared by QTIC in partnership with the Griffith Institute of Tourism with the support of the Queensland Government.”

Gschwind said Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort was an outstanding example of a proactive tourism operator who is showing leadership in changing climate adaptation.

The Queensland Tourism Award winning resort aims to be fully sustainable and carbon-neutral by 2020 through their use of solar power and advanced battery storage.

Source
Australian Leisure Management

See also: Climate Change Threatening Australian Tourism