Destination Queenstown is gearing up to launch the first phase of its regenerative tourism strategy by encouraging visitors to contribute towards its carbon zero goals.
The tourism organisation said serious progress needed to be made in decarbonising many of the adventure destination’s activities, which was an ambitious goal in a community "dependent on high-carbon-intensity travellers".
It is aiming to reach carbon zero by 2030.
To begin the journey, Destination Queenstown (DQ) is releasing a "Love Queenstown" community funding platform tomorrow which
provides the opportunity for visitors, and the visitor industry, to come together for the benefit of Queenstown and its residents.
The idea is for it to enable "visitor give-back", financially and in-kind via DQ "touch-points" and partnered businesses, which will enable tourists to be part of the region’s regenerative future by donating through these outlets.
Businesses will be able to display the Love Queenstown material or donation cards at point of sale or online to connect customers with opportunities to donate.
The platform will also provide the opportunity to include a donation as part of the cost of the product or service.
It is expected to be delivered and managed in partnership with the Wakatipu Community Foundation.
A portion of all funds raised through will be available for annual disbursement within the region for environmental, social and cultural projects.
The funding may also support projects that visitors can get involved with.
Love Queenstown is one of 19 projects that were discussed within the destination management plan. It was identified as one of the "essential"projects that needs to get under way in the first year of instigating the plan.
