Tourism

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing tourism today. Australia’s tourism industry, like all sectors, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The industry is also susceptible to climate change impacts, with some of Australia’s most iconic natural attractions and World Heritage Areas particularly sensitive to changes in climate conditions.

To meet this challenge, governments, industry leaders, and tourism researchers have joined forces in developing a national Tourism and Climate Change: a Framework for Action. The Framework is designed to minimise the tourism industry’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, and to prepare the tourism industry to respond to the physical, economic and social impacts of climate change.

Research underpinning the Framework includes:

• a comprehensive analysis of the Australian tourism carbon footprint
• the Destinations Adaptation Project which includes an assessment of climate change vulnerabilities in regional tourism destinations, and development of adaptation strategies
• analysis of the potential impact of aviation-specific climate change policies on developing countries dependent on long haul travel
• international consumer market research
• recognition of emissions management tools and resources.

The Framework  [PDF, 101KB] was endorsed by the Tourism Ministers’ Council on 9 July 2008.

International Engagement
The Australian Government and tourism industry bodies have actively engaged internationally on tourism and climate change through the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Climate Change Guide for Australian Tourism Operators[PDF, 2MB]

Tourism Quality / Accreditation Fact Sheet [PDF, 152KB]