Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT)

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2018)

Long-term Goals:

Medium-term Goals:

Increasing destination resilience
Build on existing initiatives to invest in new products
Develop a decarbonisation pathway for tourism
Measure and manage carbon emissions through a Queensland-wide quality rating for operators
Set a target for the proportion of new tourism buildings that exceed the minimum 6-star rating
Develop sustainable procurement policies for businesses
Develop 'green destinations' across Queensland
Develop carbon offsetting programs for businesses and customers
Accelerate uptake and investment into the electrification of the transport system and fleet
Develop a clear communication strategy for the Great Barrier Reef
Provide marketing incentives to high-performing operators
Undertake consultations and economic analysis to establish a green fund

Short-term Goals:

Improve climate preparedness and risk management
Develop business support schemes/products to help businesses secure appropriate insurance and/or finance
Review disaster packages to ensure effective implementation for quick recovery
Develop tourism-specific adaptation/resilience tools and guidance
Develop an awareness campaign for the industry to develop a common understanding and commitment towards stewardship
Consider extending long-term certification for operating in national parks and protected areas
Strengthen all tourism strategies and plans to include climate change risks and opportunities
Establish a permanent steering group to meet at least twice a year

Increasing costs of extreme weather events
Changes to natural resources (e.g., Great Barrier Reef health, biodiversity loss)
Transition towards a decarbonised global economy
Heatwaves
Sea-level rise and inundation
Rainfall and flooding variability
Drought
Increased tropical cyclone intensity
Changes in wildlife distribution and diseases (e.g., dengue, malaria, Irukandji jellyfish)
Conflicting information on climate change impacts
Short-term nature of tourism planning and decision-making
Insufficient resources and limited investment options for smaller businesses
Lack of specific knowledge on climate change impacts
Limited resources and capacity in the sector
Need for additional tools and assistance

Developing low-carbon transport alternatives
Greening the industry
Providing incentives to businesses responding effectively to climate change
Preparing for changes in markets
Developing new and diversified visitor experiences
Supporting new products
Improving the resilience of businesses, destinations, and communities
Developing a diversified portfolio of activities and attractions
Collaboration between all stakeholders and sub-sectors
Implementing a range of activities that constitute a climate change response (though not explicitly undertaken for this reason)
Addressing climatic hazards and low-carbon opportunities simultaneously
Using tools, templates, and environmental certification schemes to inform decision-making and monitor progress
Connecting proactively to other industries and relevant government departments
Better communicating knowledge and developing a joint industry position on climate risks and opportunities
Better communicating tourism's role as a critical economic sector and 'community builder'
Developing Queensland-wide carbon calculator
Improving the resilience of infrastructure and preparedness of communities
Product diversification
Extending interpretation and education programs for tourism
Investing in resource-saving technology and equipment
Integration between tourism and emergency services
Developing a clear communication strategy for the Great Barrier Reef and other high-risk natural assets
Monitoring consumer sentiment and perceptions of environmental change

Develop sustainable procurement policies for businesses to manage supply chain risks and carbon footprints