Going green in visitor sector

• Published date: 11 August 2022
• Publication title: Katikati Advertiser

Seventeen Waihī Beach and Katikati visitor sector representatives have spent the past 12 weeks assessing and improving their processes to reduce, reuse and recycle to lower their carbon emissions and become more sustainable

Their actions have included switching to eco-friendly products, investigating living wage accreditation processes, planning waste-free public events and even using old refrigerators to create a fish smoker at a holiday park.

Tourism Bay of Plenty head of strategy and insights Stacey Linton says The Green Room aligns with the goals set in the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment and supports the Government target for New Zealand to be net carbon zero by 2050.

“Consumer values are changing. Locals and visitors increasingly want to support businesses and destinations that give back to the environment and their local community, so we’re delighted that this first wave of participants has so enthusiastically embraced the aspirations we have for our region,” Stacey says.

The programme is managed by Tourism Bay of Plenty, delivered by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), and funded by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council — which means...