Tourism operators, event organisers and visitors across South Australia will be able to collectively contribute to local environmental projects, through a new state-wide program.
The 'Travel for Nature' program enables participating tourism businesses and events to incorporate a small contribution into their pricing which is directed to regenerative environmental projects such as habitat, biodiversity and reef restoration in South Australia.
The pilot project will be focused on restoring habitat for the nationally endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot and declining woodland bird species in the Mount Lofty Ranges, at Mark Oliphant Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills.
The pilot site was selected in consultation with industry partners. As participation grows, the program is expected to expand across all regions of the state.
Delivered in partnership with Reforest, tourism operators who participate in the program will have access to a digital dashboard which details the environmental project and tracks its progress and impact. They can then share this information on their websites and social media with potential visitors.
Latest insights from Tourism Research Australia shows almost 4 out of 5 travellers (79%) are concerned about their environmental impact while traveling. Globally, Booking.com shows 85% of travellers say sustainable travel is important, with 69% wanting to leave places better than they found them.
While similar programs have been offered at a regional level in other Australian destinations, it will be the first time a state-wide program has been rolled-out.
The State Government has an ambition for South Australia to be a leading sustainable tourism destination, and for the industry to leave a positive legacy for communities.
Businesses and events who want to get involved can register their interest now in the South Australian Tourism Commission's True South initiative to receive program updates at tourism.sa.gov.au/support/true-south
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said she is proud to support this nation-leading initiative, delivering the first statewide environmental regeneration program in the country.
"Following the harmful algal bloom and the arrival of bird flu, now more than ever, visitors to our state are looking for ways to give back to the environment and they want to support sustainable tourism," said Minister Bourke, who is also Minister for Climate, Environment and Water.
"Through the Travel for Nature program, they can see where their contribution is going and take comfort in knowing that they are supporting important environmental projects whilst travelling."
"South Australia was the first state to ban plastic bags and single use plastics and we are leading the nation in renewable energy. We're now the first state to start a state-wide platform for tourism and event businesses to contribute to regenerative projects, helping to restore local ecosystems."
"When visitors choose South Australia, they are choosing a destination that gives back."
CABN Founder and CEO, Michael Lamprell said CABN will be signing up for Travel for Nature.
"It's an important initiative that aligns with our values, with sustainability at the heart of everything we create," he said.
"In today's fast-paced, digitally dominated world, we are seeing consumers make a fundamental shift towards nature."
"People are looking for smaller, more intimate experiences where they can pause, reflect, reconnect with themselves, each other and with nature."
"Nature is part of our unique South Australian experience and a key driver of visitation to our state and tourism regions. When operators sign up for Travel for Nature, they are showing consumers they are committed to leaving South Australia better."
Reforest Co-Founder and CEO, Daniel Walsh said Travel for Nature is a nation leading initiative, it's the first time Reforest has partnered with a State Tourism Organisation to deliver a statewide regenerative destination program in Australia.
"This is proving what's possible when an entire state's industry, local community, and visitors all work to protect what makes South Australia unique," he added.
"The destinations that will be thriving in the future are the ones where tourism gives back to the community and the environment. We want to help create a future where travel leaves a place better than it found it."
Jessica McKelson, the CEO of Trees for Life South Australia said they believe the future of tourism lies in partnerships that balance exceptional visitor experiences with genuine nature-based outcomes.
"The Travel for Nature initiative provides visitors with an opportunity to protect the natural environments that make South Australia's tourism experiences so special," she said.
"Trees For Life is proud to be a part of an initiative that empowers visitors to contribute to meaningful environmental restoration outcomes, helping to enhance the natural assets that underpin our visitor economy and leave a growing legacy for future generations."
Business Events Adelaide CEO Damien Kitto said they're also proud to support SA's Travel for Nature initiative.
"Delegates increasingly want their travel to leave a positive social and environmental legacy, and this initiative gives business event organisers a simple, meaningful way to build that into their programs," he said.
"It's also a genuine 'Team Adelaide' effort - so many likeminded organisations coming together in a way that reflects the strong sense of community and shared commitment to sustainability that defines our city."
