The Tasmanian Government is putting $1.5 million towards supporting the tourism and hospitality industry in its transition to a low-emissions economy.
Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jeremy Rockliff said the $1.5 million package will be delivered through four streams of activity.
“The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania will receive $300,000 to support operators to undertake emissions audits and carbon accounting, as well as helping them to understand their emissions profile and then develop plans to reduce their footprint,” he said.
More information about the expressions of interest process is available from the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania.
“For eligible operators who have already completed an emissions audit report process, a $900,000 Tourism Emissions Reduction Grant Program will be available in September,” said Rockliff.
“This grant program will support successful applicants to implement a project that contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions within their business.”
This non-competitive program opens on September 18 and closes on October 16, or once funding is exhausted.
“Further to this, Tourism Tasmania will lead development of a business case into how visitors could opt into a net zero visit to Tasmania, as well as contribute to Tasmania through local offset projects,” he said.
An additional $100,000 will go towards a project delivered by Tourism Tasmania that is designed to elevate industry operators and their sustainability initiatives.
Last year the Government provided $100,000 in funding towards a partnership between Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and Burnie-based business Local Carbon to undertake a carbon accounting pilot with local operators.
“This project delivered invaluable insights around how government can support operators who are at different stages of their emissions reduction journey,” he said.
“This has helped inform our emissions reduction policy and programs that are focused on harnessing the opportunities the industry has to positively impact Tasmania.
“Our Government is assisting businesses to start their journey to being carbon neutral, with funding to support carbon audits and to formulate a pathway for businesses to achieve a standard of operation that will be globally recognised.”
