Australia makes industry-wide commitment to sustainable tourism

Goal is to protect local communities, cultures, and natural wonders.

Australia, through the "Green is Our Gold" initiative by Tourism Australia, is rallying the country's tourism industry to get behind the Green and Gold Promise – a formal commitment to the Green is Our Gold vision for sustainable tourism.

Commenting on the move, Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack said: "Australia has a strong track record of sustainable growth in tourism, and many businesses have already embraced sustainability – delivering world-class experiences that are sensitive to our natural environments, our cultures, and our communities.

"Green is Our Gold has been created by Tourism Australia with significant industry engagement to recognise the strong foundations already in place and encourage further momentum for a collective commitment to responsible travel."

Under the Promise are these five principles: celebrate community; embrace culture; preserve place; respect wildlife; and take care.

"Aligning our industry's sustainability vision with our message to travellers creates a powerful opportunity to strengthen Australia's global reputation as a leader in responsible travel and tourism," Mack added.

The goal is to help deliver tourism experiences with positive social and environmental impact.

"Sustainable tourism is a huge opportunity for our industry, and I encourage the more than 360,000 tourism businesses across Australia to take part in this new Green is Our Gold Promise," stated Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, who cited Australia's bushwalks, rainforests, beaches, wildlife, national parks, and natural scenery.