CleanBiz Supports Sustainable Tourism Development Program

25/05/2009

CleanBiz has agreed to help Tourism Tasmania support five select tourism operators through a 12 month sustainable business management program.

CleanBiz will provide Tourism Tasmania's Signature Experience Pilot Development Program with one-off sponsorship of $5,000 to fund implementation of the program's business sustainability module.

The nature of the agreement is outlined in a memorandum of understanding, signed into effect on 29 April 2009.

The sponsorship is the first sector-specific investment by CleanBiz and acknowledges the initiative being shown by the tourism sector with respect to sustainability.

"A key desired outcome for participants in this program is that they clearly demonstrate economic, environmental and social sustainability in their respective businesses" said CleanBiz Officer, Damien Blackwell.

"This intent compliments CleanBiz's and the Tasmanian Government's broad desire to create more Tasmanian enterprises that adopt sustainability as a core business philosophy."

"That's why we're very pleased to support the initiative, the participants of which we hope will be able to showcase the benefits of a more sustainable approach to their sector counterparts" Damien said.

The sponsorship entitles CleanBiz to all program reports, case studies and co-branding during any promotional activities. It also provide CleanBiz with a useful entry point into a sector that holds much promise in terms of efficiency gains through better management of energy, water and materials.

Seven tourism operators are participating in the first intake of the Signature Experience Program, five of whom are involved in the pilot development program. All seven tourism operators can be viewed here

Operators have been selected for their commitment to and demonstration of sustainable business practices. Participants start the environmental component of the program by conducting a web-based 'health check' of their business. Each participant then creates an Action Plan and is encouraged to implement this over time. Throughout the program, businesses receive personal one-on-one training and mentoring to help them meet program goals.

The program is scheduled to conclude around October 2009.