Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has welcomed Australia’s National Sustainability Framework announced by Commonwealth, State and Territory tourism ministers and its vision for Australia to be a world leader in sustainable tourism.
CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz said the framework would provide an important foundation for Australia’s tourism economy, allowing it to evolve in a well-managed and responsible way.
“The National Sustainability Framework is aligned with the cruise industry’s own commitment to the principles established by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC),” Katz, said.
“The framework adapts these GSTC principles into the Australian context, allowing the tourism industry to align around its sustainability, cultural and social objectives.”
The Framework’s four pillars:
- Taking a managed approach to sustainability – this involves embedding business practices and procedures to ensure sustainability goals are achieved.
- Implementing environmental and climate action – by taking action to protect wildlife and nature, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt and build resilience to climate change, responsibly use resources, reduce waste and recycle.
- Respecting culture – by acknowledging and engaging appropriately with First Nations people and other
cultural groups, and by helping to protect and preserve cultural heritage consistent with the principles of self-determination. - Creating positive social impact – by working cooperatively and inclusively with visitors, employees, suppliers and local communities.
“Cruise lines globally are investing many billions of dollars in new ships, new technologies and new propulsion systems designed to reach our sustainability goals and achieve net zero emissions,” Katz, said.
“At the same time, cruise lines are taking a leadership role in bringing positive benefits to the communities they visit, in ways that take advantage of cruising’s nature as a planned and managed form of tourism.
“The principles of the GSTC and the National Sustainability Framework can already be seen in the initiatives of the cruise industry and will provide an important foundation for our development into the future.”
