The Banksia Foundation, in partnership with the NSW Government, through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water, has announced the finalists for the 2025 NSW Sustainability Awards.

Now in their fourth year, the Awards recognise individuals, organisations and communities that are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and helping build a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient NSW.

A standout feature of this year’s Awards was the remarkable strength of regional NSW representation, with more than 40 per cent of the 41 finalists coming from outside metropolitan Sydney, from the Blue Mountains to Orange, Illawarra and the Far South Coast.

Sustainable Tourism finalists

The Sustainable Destination Partnership was announced as a finalist in the Sustainable Tourism category of the 2025 NSW Sustainability Awards.

Destination NSW is a proud Associate Member of the Sustainable Destination Partnership (SDP). Led by City of Sydney, the SPD is a collaboration of hotels, backpacker hostels, serviced apartments, cultural institutions, entertainment venues and industry leaders that work together to improve the environmental performance of Sydney’s accommodation and entertainment sector.

SDP highlights since 2018 include:

  • 31 per cent reduction in emissions
  • 12 per cent of electricity sourced from renewables
  • 105 million mj of gas consumption reduced
  • 21 per cent reduction in water consumption
  • 4 million kWh of electricity saved
  • 69 per cent of collected waste diverted from landfill
  • 60 building ratings and certifications implemented in 2024.

The Sustainable Tourism category recognises outstanding organisations, destinations and businesses in the tourism industry that prioritise environmental conservation and have demonstrated a commitment to minimising their ecological footprint, promoting responsible travel and visitor education, supporting local communities, and preserving natural and cultural heritage.

In addition to SDP, finalists in the Sustainable Tourism category are Region X - Adventure projects, Region X and Trolley'd, Joystick Pty Ltd.

Winners will be announced at the 2025 NSW Sustainability Awards Presentation on 9 December 2025 at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Learn more about the awards here.