Sustainable tourism

Our work supports the sustainable growth and prosperity of Australia’s visitor economy.

Sustainable tourism is central to the visitor economy’s future success. This is recognised in Australia’s long-term visitor economy strategy, THRIVE 2030.

Sustainable tourism:

  • preserves Australia’s natural and cultural assets
  • respects and nurtures cultures
  • creates positive social impact.

We lead work to support the sustainable growth and prosperity of Australia’s visitor economy.

This work includes a National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy and a Sustainable Tourism Toolkit. Created in partnership with all state and territory governments and Tourism Australia, these resources are designed to unite and inspire action on sustainable tourism.

National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy

The Australian Government, and state and territory governments have endorsed the National Sustainability Framework.

The Framework explains the different aspects of sustainability. It also sets out a goal for Australia to become a world leader in sustainable tourism.

Learn more about the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy.

Sustainable Tourism Toolkit

The Sustainable Tourism Toolkit is designed to help tourism businesses across Australia on their journey to become more sustainable.

Consumer research shows that 74% of travellers are looking for more sustainable options (Source: Booking.com, Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report 2023).

The Toolkit is a practical guide for tourism businesses. It helps them to respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable travel choices.

The Toolkit gives clear, simple advice. It helps small to medium-sized tourism operators on their path to sustainability.

The Toolkit is available in 2 formats:

The role of Austrade

Australia’s Tourism Ministers endorsed and launched the National Sustainability Framework and Sustainable Tourism Toolkit on 24 November 2023.

Austrade, state and territory governments and Tourism Australia all worked together to develop and deliver the Framework and Toolkit.  

Others working with Austrade on the project were:

  • Department of Industry, Science and Resources
  • EarthCheck, a world-leading certification and advisory organisation for sustainable tourism.

Austrade leads related initiatives as part of Australia’s long-term visitor economy strategy, THRIVE 2030.

Green is Our Gold

Green is Our Gold is a sustainability initiative for the Australian tourism and visitor economy led by Tourism Australia. It is an industry-wide rally cry to protect the environments, cultures, and communities that make Australia a world-class destination.

All Australian tourism businesses are invited to join the Green and Gold Promise, committing to the collective industry vision for sustainable tourism as outlined in our National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy.

Those that join will gain access to a new toolkit with five simple principles designed to shape responsible visitor behaviour and practices. Find out more at tourism.australia.com/greenandgold.

Additional resources

The Sustainability Storytelling guides will help you promote your sustainability journey with authenticity and honesty. For more information, go to the Tourism Australia website.

Contact us

For more information about the National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy and the Sustainable Tourism Toolkit, email visitoreconomy@austrade.gov.au.