Visit Sunshine Coast launches Australia first destination-wide carbon removal program

Visit Sunshine Coast, in partnership with Queensland-based Reforest, TEQ and Sunshine Coast Council, has launched the Sunshine Coast Sustainability Program.
The program invites visitors and the local tourism industry to contribute towards reducing carbon emissions though local reforestation projects.
“Our goal is to make a positive and meaningful contribution towards the sustainability of the Sunshine Coast as a destination,” CEO, Visit Sunshine Coast, Matt Stoeckel, said.
“This program reinforces our sustainability credentials and will go a long way in encouraging eco-conscious travellers to visit and make a positive impact to the sustainability of the region.”
Stoeckel said that while carbon calculators were not a new concept, the idea of a destination banding together on a region-wide sustainability initiative was and all members of Visit Sunshine Coast could participate in what is Australia’s first destination-wide carbon removal program.
“The new program provides the opportunity for visitors and tourism businesses to easily calculate and remove carbon emissions through the regeneration of local ecosystems.”
“This is all about restoring the local ecosystems that tourism depends upon, and which visitors come to the beautiful Sunshine Coast to see,’ co-founder & CEO, Reforest, Daneil Walsh, said.
“The program is launching with two native reforestation projects, one in Cooroy and the other in Caloundra.”
“In the future we aim to enable a diverse range of projects that are restoring all the important ecosystems of this area, as well as giving visitors the opportunity to have immersive regenerative experiences as part of their stay,” he said.
The program includes:
- A carbon calculator for visitors to understand their carbon footprint.
- Helpful tips and tricks on ways visitors can minimise their footprint.
- Local reforestation projects for visitors to remove carbon emissions.
- A toolkit for tourism businesses to calculate emissions and identify ways to take positive climate action.
- A dashboard where outcomes are displayed and sustainability stories are profiled.

Kondalilla Falls, Montville. (Supplied)
The Sunshine Coast boasts three UNESCO Biospheres sitting side-by-side and planting more trees will also protect this unique Biosphere corridor for generations to come.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson, who is also Sunshine Coast Biosphere coordinating committee chair, said the program brought immense shared benefit to the region’s economy and environment, encouraging and taking action to reduce carbon emissions.
“Council is proud to provide access to a 4ha location in Caloundra for revegetation as part of the Sustainable Sunshine Coast program, which showcases the potential for local tourism industries and visitors to give back to our Biosphere,” Mayor Jamieson, said.
“Since our region’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere in June 2022, partnership opportunities such as these are more important than ever, as we continue our collaborative journey to a more sustainable future across all sectors and communities.”
Sunshine Coast Biosphere community advisory group chair Will Shrapnel said everyone could make a positive impact in our Biosphere, including visitors.
“As we bring people here to enjoy our beautiful beaches, hinterland, towns and varied experiences, this program provides a way for them to protect and improve our natural environment and contribute to the legacy of our Biosphere,” Shrapnel, said.
“It also encourages our tourism operators to help sustain the nature around us that residents love and tourists come to enjoy, which will further attract customers who value these efforts.
“In this way, Biosphere values continue to spread through our sectors and community, all playing a part towards a sustainable Sunshine Coast.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Daniel Walsh Mayor Mark Jamieson Reforest sunshine coast Sustai Visit Sunshine Coast Will ShrapnelLatest News

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils
TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil
TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events
AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade
Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar
Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025
CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events
NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

Engine delays plaguing Air New Zealand as carrier set to suspend Incheon-Auckland route
We never liked being at the back of the queue, and this is a big one to jump.

Australia’s aviation future takes flight: An exclusive with Simon Westaway
As you walk through your next Australian airport, from ABX to YWYY, remember this face, he may be there.

Destination Vancouver brings World Chef Exchange event to Sydney
We are sure that with Mark Best in the kitchen, there was more on offer than poutine and fries.

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

Envoyage-hosted National Travel Group joins Luxury Travel Collection
As this market continues to grow, make sure you get along to our own Travel Weekly Luxury Roadshow.

Airports Council International labels Newcastle Airport most sustainable in Australia
Newcastle says it will be the green gateway into Australia, maybe the football team needs some new colours to match.

Vintage Rail Journeys’ unique Bathurst Race’N Rail packages now on sale
You might not get there as fast but you are guaranteed to save on fuel on the way there.

Patricia Piccinini’s skywhales return to tour Australia
These freaked us out when we first saw them, almost as bad as the contents of the fridge after we returned from leave.

David Fraser returns to Accor as VP of operations for Sofitel Pacific
We hope Monsieur Fraser is catching up on his French as he will no doubt be dealing with HQ.

A foodie adventure at Disneyland Resort in California: Snack Attack on the Go
As far as levels of cuteness go, Disneyland Resort's Mickey beignets take the cake or should that be churros.

Minor Hotels unveils Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, its first property in India
Treated like a Raj for a few hundred a night, we like the sound of that. Just don't mention the cricket.

Four Seasons announces new luxury resort and private residences in UAE
These resorts are built on reclaimed land made with sand, fortunately there is plenty of it.

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests
Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]

MSC Cruises announces MSC World Asia Webinar
Let's hope the words 'You are on mute' will never be uttered ever again.

Legendary Italian hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano, opens new clothing and accessories boutique
Anyone planning a trip to Italy this northern summer should leave room in their Louis Vuitton luggage.

AAT Kings’ NT boost with air credits
AAT Kings really dominates travel in the Top End and news like this only adds fuel to the fire.

Camino Women and Laos’ Khiri Travel announce new mountain trail for Australian women
Responsible tourism starts with one foot in front of the other. This trek sounds like there are a few more steps.

Thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer through ATIA’s ‘Rockstar Renewal’ campaign
Of course it's nice to be called a rockstar, but we'd like to be a part of the superstar surge personally.

Sally Miles joins Linkd Tourism’s trade team
Having lived in the US and Japan, Sally will no doubt thrive in this role!

Maximise your Emirates journey with complimentary hotel stays in Dubai
Any freebie is a good freebie, but a free hotel in Dubai has to be pretty high on the list.

Celebrity Xcel unveils ‘The Bazaar’ set to transforms onboard experiences
No word if Xcel will make its way to Australian shores - we'd expect koala cuddling and kangaroo boxing.

CT Partners expands focus on business meetings and events
AIME is looking like it will be bigger than Ben Hur... it was a movie? Charlton Heston? Never mind.

South Africa’s The Royal Portfolio appoints Nigel Pace as executive head of sales to ultra-luxury portfolio
First job on the list is to visit all the luxury properties in the portfolio. Next, he'll be perusing all the menus...

Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year
40,000 keys is a lot of keys. We wonder if there is a master key to all of these.

Countdown underway for 2025 Visit USA Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
The two-week countdown is on, but we've been counting down for nearly 50 weeks since the last one!

WA Labor commits $500,000 to a study for future Broome cruise passenger terminal
Given the emerging popularity of cruising in this part of the world, another stop is welcome.

Maximum Occupancy New Zealand conference to return to Auckland in March
If we were to take a stab in the dark we'd say this one's all about getting those rooms full... Just a guess!

NRMA’s Turtle Sands Nature resort officially opens
For some of us, sometimes there is a bit too much nature. Try explaining to the little ones why mum buries the kids.