Holiday Guilt Free

Newcastle Herald

Friday October 10, 2008

By TESS CAMPBELL

A HUNTER tourist destination hoped to be the first community to go completely green in a bid to cash in on an ever-increasing niche market, the eco-conscious consumer.

Lovedale Chamber of Commerce has enlisted the help of one of Australia's leading environmentalists, Ian Kiernan, to kick off their push for environmentally sustainable tourism.

He spoke at last night's Sustainability in Tourism and Community event, held at the Hunter's Crowne Plaza resort.

Environmentally-friendly products were on display, showing businesses first hand how simple it was to walk the green path, chamber president Robyn Gill said.

They hope to lead the Hunter in being known as the first fully sustainable tourism destination.

To succeed in today's environmentally-conscious marketplace, tourism operators must be seen to be green, Hunter Tourism's Sheridan Ferrier said.

The Hunter had a scattering of eco-friendly operators including Banjo's Bushland retreat at the Barrington Tops and Northern Highland travel bus company one of the first transport companies to offset their carbon footprint, Ms Ferrier said.

"People are taking it into account and taking up the carbon-neutral option," she said.

An increasing number of green-themed events, products and services are emerging across the Hunter with eco-conscious consumers lapping up the chance to be carbon-neutral.

At Jazz in the Vines, on October 25 at Tyrrells Wines, patrons will be given wine glasses on arrival to reduce plastic cup waste.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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