Trowutta Arch Rain Forest Walk, takayna / Tarkine
Sean Scott Photography
POSITIVE IMPACT
Travel is changing. Today's visitors are not just looking for memorable experiences, they increasingly want to know how their travel affects places and find operators who care about the environment and the communities they are part of.
Tasmania's ancient landscapes, rich environments, eco credentials and community focus are part of the reason people visit. Our clean air, pure water and protected wilderness are not just drawcards, these exist because people here have fought for them, and they are responsibilities we take seriously. The Travelling Mindfully video series puts the spotlight on operators leading the way in sustainable tourism.
Four videos, four parts of the story.
Provenance Growers, Neika
Jasper Da Seymour
Why your sustainability story matters
It influences traveller decisions: Our research on positive impact travellers shows target travellers actively seek to support local businesses, participate in conservation initiatives and leave places better than they found them.
It aligns with our strategy: Tasmania's 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy prioritises sustainable growth that benefits our environment, economy and communities.
It attracts the right visitors: We are targeting travellers who want to make a positive difference to Tasmania during their visit.
View the research
Beaker Street Festival, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), Hobart
Beaker Street
What sets Tasmania's positive impact apart
Protected landscapes: More than 40% of Tasmania is protected as national parks, reserves and World Heritage wilderness, setting a strong foundation for sustainable tourism practices.
Small scale operators: Tasmania's small batch, locally owned businesses naturally support sustainable models, short supply chains, community employment and connections between visitors and producers.
Innovation leadership: Tasmanian operators are pioneering carbon neutral accommodation, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction initiatives and accessible tourism experiences.
Community scale: Tasmania's size means businesses can more easily create meaningful partnerships with conservation groups, local suppliers and community organisations.
Authentic values: Sustainability is not a marketing add on for Tasmanian operators, it reflects a commitment to protecting the environment and communities that make the island special.
Key messages: talking about positive impact in Tasmania
Transparency over perfection: Sustainability is a journey. Share your progress, challenges and goals honestly. Invite guests to join you rather than claiming perfection. Example: "We became carbon neutral in 2025 and partnered with a local conservation group to plant 280 trees last year. Right now, we are improving accessibility and reducing plastic waste. Join us on the journey."
Facts with emotion: Balance credentials and data with the human side, stories that create connection. Example: "Our partnership with Coastal Trust began during a beach clean up in 2021. Since then, we have planted 3,200 native grasses and built interpretive trails so guests can connect with this fragile ecosystem."
Clear, confident language: Avoid jargon. Write as you would speak. Not: "Through our holistic regenerative eco framework, we have curtailed carbon output." Instead: "We have switched to solar power, removed single use plastics and created accessible paths to reduce emissions."
Share your why: Sustainability conscious travellers connect with authentic values, they like to understand the reasons behind your actions. Not just: "We stock Tasmanian made products." Instead: "We stock Tasmanian made products. It is our way of supporting small businesses, keeping money in the community and giving visitors a taste of the island's creative spirit."
Where to share your story
Website: Build a dedicated sustainability page on your website and weave sustainability throughout. Include nearby eco experiences to help travellers build sustainable itineraries. Use searchable keywords like "eco accommodation southern Tasmania" or "sustainable tours north west Tasmania".
Social media: Use bios, highlights and regular posts to share progress updates.
Booking platforms: Emphasise sustainability features where eco conscious travellers search.
Google Business: Include sustainability features in your business description and attributes.
Email: Feature guest stories and progress updates to build credibility.
Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW): Add sustainability and accessibility information to your ATDW profile to help travellers find your business
Strengthen your ATDW profile with accreditation
Gaining tourism accreditation demonstrates your commitment to quality, sustainability and inclusion. Once achieved, your badge displays directly on your ATDW profile.
The following accreditations are available through the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) via the Quality Tourism Framework portal.
- Sustainable Tourism Accreditation: Tasmania's base level accreditation, covering environmental, cultural, social and commercial sustainability practices.
- EcoStar Accreditation: For businesses demonstrating the highest level of environmental management, above Sustainable Tourism requirements.
- Tourism Emissions Reduction Program: Measure, reduce and communicate your business commitment to emissions reduction and climate action.
- Accessible Tourism: A self assessment that evaluates and improves accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
- Rainbow Tasmania Tourism Accreditation: Recognises businesses providing a welcoming, inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ customers and staff.
- Bike Friendly Business: For operators catering to the needs of cycle tourists and the growing cycle tourism market.
Learn more about the benefits of an ATDW listing.
Share your wins
Additional inspiration
Browse sustainability stories from Derwent Distillery, Untamed Escapes, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and Great Walks of Australia.
