Sustainability

Destination NSW is committed to advancing sustainability across the NSW visitor economy.

The agency prioritises advocacy, capacity building and the promotion of sustainable practices that support visitor economy businesses to strengthen their environmental performance.

Through these initiatives, Destination NSW seeks to build a more responsible and resilient visitor economy that delivers long-term benefits for communities and the natural environment of NSW.

Building a sustainable visitor economy

NSW is a leader in biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. ECO Certification programs, habitat restoration initiatives and renewable energy-powered infrastructure are reinforcing the state’s ability to attract high-value, eco-conscious visitors.

Destination NSW has an important role to play in championing and elevating sustainable tourism in NSW.

The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 outlined actions aimed at boosting sustainability, including providing toolkits, advice and support to help businesses become more resilient and sustainable, and to adopt environmentally friendly practices and adapt to climate change.

Sustainability initiatives introduced in the 2024–25 financial year include:

• A collaboration between Destination NSW teams and National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) on the NSW Great Walks campaign.
• The development of nine electric vehicle-friendly (EV) NSW road trip itineraries (aligned with the Quick Tips for Creating EV Visitor Experiences resource launched in 2023–24) in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

Business practices and initiatives

Destination NSW has a strategic focus on sustainability and recognises the importance of transparent sustainability reporting, in line with the NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan.

The agency is dedicated to fostering positive environmental, cultural and social outcomes within the NSW visitor economy. It focuses on advocacy, education and encouraging sustainable business practices that empower visitor economy businesses to elevate their sustainability efforts.

By championing these initiatives, Destination NSW aims to create a more resilient and responsible NSW visitor economy that benefits both the environment and the community.

Destination NSW understands the importance of the NSW Government’s commitment to embedding sustainable practices into government decision-making and operations.

Initiatives during the 2024–25 financial year included:

• The agency’s staff-led Sustainability Committee worked to drive environmental sustainability initiatives across the organisation.
• At the Destination NSW head office, day-to-day business practices included decreasing the electricity footprint by continuing to replace ageing monitors, using double-sided printing, offering paper and cardboard recycling, fabric waste, e-waste recycling and printer toner recycling bins, and using an accredited green power electricity provider.
• Destination NSW also continued to embed sustainable practices in its corporate and consumer events including the Visitor Economy Forum 2024, Vivid Sydney 2025 and NSW First workshops.
• As an Associate Member of the Sustainable Destination Partnership (SDP), led by CoS, Destination NSW worked to elevate Sydney as a sustainable destination. This included attending the annual planning session, media briefings and leadership panel meetings.
• The agency extended its Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program, which offered NSW visitor economy businesses free access to an Ecotourism Australia sustainability health check and benchmarking tool. The program concluded on 30 June 2025.
• The Product Development – Nature, Sustainability and Wellness, and Editorial teams collaborated to produce the Slow travel in NSW Somewhere New eDM edition with a focus on sustainability and ecotourism.
• The Product Development – Nature, Sustainability and Wellness team and Consumer Marketing division collaborated on the National Parks and Wildlife Services NSW Great Walks campaign.
• Destination NSW was an active member of multiple sustainability-related committees, including the Steering Committee for Take 3 for the Sea, Tourism and Parks Agencies Forum (TAPAF), Sustainability Community of Practice (Austrade/Tourism Australia/State Tourism Organisations) and the Bondi to Manly Walk.
• The agency contributed to the National Sustainability Framework to assist in the launch of the Sustainability Tourism Toolkit. Led by Austrade, this how-to guide helps Australian visitor economy businesses become more sustainable.
• The Product Development – Nature, Sustainability and Wellness team undertook the four-week Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Sustainable Tourism Course to receive the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
• ECO- or Sustainable-Certified experiences and destinations were identified on VisitNSW.com and Sydney.com during the 2024–25 financial year, enhancing the visitor experience by making it easier for users to find and choose sustainable options.