Go green, tourist sector told

Tourism businesses are being told they need to turn green or risk being left behind in the battle for a dwindling number of visitors in fuel-starved times.

The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) and other leaders gathered in Christchurch ahead of tourism awards next week, warning accommodation and transport providers to clean up their act.

Europeans in particular are becoming more sensitive to energy wastage.

Government energy efficiency spokeswoman Jeanette Fitzsimons said yesterday she expected international visitor numbers to fall after an extended period of growth given that peak oil had been reached. Visitors had to be persuaded they were "going to have the most sustainable tourism experience in the world", but numbers would inevitably fall, she said.

Fitzsimons, new TIA chief executive Tim Cossar and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority chairman Roger Sutton spoke to tourism operators in Christchurch yesterday as part of a launch of a pilot project to improve energy efficiency.

The Meadow Street, Papanui-based Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park and Blenheim Road's Amber Park are two visitor accommodation spots taking part.

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