{"id":9340,"date":"2023-06-20T10:13:44","date_gmt":"2023-06-20T00:13:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corporate.visitsunshinecoast.com\/?p=9340"},"modified":"2024-04-26T14:17:58","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T04:17:58","slug":"future-proofing-the-sunshine-coasts-green-tourism-credentials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corporate.visitsunshinecoast.com\/future-proofing-the-sunshine-coasts-green-tourism-credentials\/","title":{"rendered":"Future-proofing the Sunshine Coast\u2019s green tourism credentials \u2013 one tree at a time"},"content":{"rendered":"

In response to increasing demand for sustainable travel, the Sunshine Coast tourism industry is leading the way.<\/p>\n

Visit Sunshine Coast, in partnership with Queensland-based Reforest, TEQ and Sunshine Coast Council, has launched the Sunshine Coast Sustainability Program<\/strong><\/a> which invites visitors and the local tourism industry to contribute towards reducing carbon emissions though local reforestation projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal is to make a positive and meaningful contribution towards the sustainability of the Sunshine Coast as a destination. This program reinforces our sustainability credentials and will go a long way in encouraging eco-conscious travellers to visit and make a positive impact to the sustainability of the region,\u201d said Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He said all members of Visit Sunshine Coast could participate in what is Australia\u2019s first destination-wide carbon removal program.<\/p>\n

Mr Stoeckel said that while carbon calculators were not a new concept, the idea of a destination banding together on a region-wide sustainability initiative was.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new program provides the opportunity for visitors and tourism businesses to easily calculate and remove carbon emissions through the regeneration of local ecosystems,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Reforest co-founder and CEO Daniel Walsh said: \u201cThis is all about restoring the local ecosystems that tourism depends upon, and which visitors come to the beautiful Sunshine Coast to see. The program is launching with two native reforestation projects, one in Cooroy and the other in Caloundra.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the future we aim to enable a diverse range of projects that are restoring all the important ecosystems of this area, as well as giving visitors the opportunity to have immersive regenerative experiences as part of their stay,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Sunshine Coast tourism businesses, from accommodation providers to coastal cruises and family attractions, who are keen to go green are signing up to reduce their carbon footprint.<\/p>\n

What the program includes:<\/p>\n