Tourism Part of Eco Solution, Not Problem

Tuatara in Queenstown

THE Hermitage Hotel at Aoraki Mount Cook has begun trialling biodiesel, made from its own recycled cooking oil, in its vehicle fleet. It is one of the first to achieve Qualmark’s Enviro-Gold rating last year, is committed to reducing the region’s carbon footprint and enhancing Aoraki Mount Cook’s clean and green credentials, particularly because of its national park and UNESCO World Heritage Area location. (Inside Tourism)
The hotel’s rubbish truck is the chosen test vehicle and it will be monitored for fuel consumption and performance for three months. If results are good, the hotel will then gradually roll biodiesel out to the rest of its 16-vehicle fl eet. It is also investigating whether biodiesel will run in its diesel-fi red hot water and heating boilers, and if so, will see how feasible it is to convert them as well.

This is further evidence of Prof David Bellamy’s observation that Tourism is part of the world’s environmental solution, rather than the problem, because of its ability to improve understanding about environmental issues. Tourism can be a great storyteller. What better vehicle than to use people’s visits to a country or location to explain the local environmental successes and shortcomings?

Numerous examples could be quoted of how tourism is working as part of the solution for threatened ecosystems in New Zealand. Ecotourism provides employment opportunities for local communities and alternative revenue. This can substitute for more traditional industries that are based on non-sustainable harvesting of natural resources and which cause habitat destruction.

Ecotourism also teaches us, and our visitors, about the importance of looking after our environment. Bank’s Peninsula based Black Cat Cruises’ work to save the Hector’s Dolphin is just one such ecotourism example. South Island based Wilderness Lodges’ work to protect native forests and their wildlife is another. Otago Peninsula’s Penguin Place has converted a farm into a private penguin sanctury, funded by visitors. Bush and Beach provides interpretation about the ecosystems around New Zealand’s largest city. Observe and preserve.

A Green Brand New Zealand Strategy will pull together these important linkages for the benefit of both our environment and our economy.

4 Responses to “Tourism Part of Eco Solution, Not Problem”

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Aidan Bailey says:

May 1, 2010 at 12:18 pm

i always use Biodiesel on my car to help the environment. Biodiesel is cleaner and is reneweable..~’
Tony Everitt says:

May 1, 2010 at 6:52 pm

Thanks Aidan. Queenstown NZ has also introduced an innovative Biodiesel scheme to help tourism businesses there become more sustainable.

Tourism Part of Eco Solution, Not Problem

4 Responses to “Tourism Part of Eco Solution, Not Problem”

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