Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Publishes Annual Sustainability Report

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has released its inaugural Sustainability Report, detailing essential initiatives that promote carbon reduction while serving the local environment and community.

TTNQ’s CEO Mark Olsen stated that the industry has made considerable progress since establishing its brand promise in 2020, which emphasizes visitors: See Great, Leave Greater.

Olsen remarked: > “Global expectations are rising for the tourism industry to move beyond providing experiences to ensuring that tourism is sustainable and contributing to the future of our natural environments and our communities.”

The report indicates that Tropical North Queensland boasts the highest number of eco-accredited businesses in any Australian region, with 84 operators and 191 experiences accredited under Ecotourism or EarthCheck, representing 21% of TTNQ’s total membership.

On the Path to Net Zero

Olsen highlighted that the region aims to achieve its Net Zero ambitions by 2050, intending to reduce daily average carbon emissions per visitor from 55kg to 42kg by 2032 through sustainable aviation fuel, business emissions reductions via solar power, waste minimization, and moving toward renewable energy solutions.

As of the latest update, at least 20% of TTNQ’s members are actively measuring and offsetting their impacts with local conservation initiatives such as Reforest’s Mabi forest rehabilitation aimed at protecting the endangered tree kangaroo on the Atherton Tablelands.

Engaging First Nations

Olsen noted: > “The TNQ First Nations Tourism Plan was launched in May 2023 recognizing that all tourism is on Country, supporting Indigenous experiences and encouraging increased visitor engagement with their culture.”

Since the plan’s launch, Indigenous tourism experiences have nearly tripled from 12 to 32 in the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse.

TTNQ also utilizes media marketing to raise awareness of more significant challenges, such as coral bleaching affecting the Great Barrier Reef, encouraging public involvement to promote sustainable tourism. Notable initiatives, such as the Guardian of the Reef program, have generated AU$7 million in accredited product sales last year, reaching 200 million individuals globally through over 60 media articles valued at $20 million.

Olsen concluded: > “The sustainability journey is long, but TTNQ and our members are committed to promoting our unique destination globally, assuring every visitor will not only see great but will leave with the satisfaction of contributing to the protection and management of World Heritage areas.”