The Green Room | Te Rūma Kākāriki

Tourism Bay of Plenty has launched an exciting initiative to encourage the Coastal Bay of Plenty's visitor sector to work towards a net zero carbon and regenerative future.

The 12-week programme, called The Green Room | Te Rūma Kākāriki, is being provided by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and is funded by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which means it’s free for participants.

Visitor Sector Commits to Greener Practices

The Green Room | Te Rūma Kākāriki consists of onsite visits, online webinars, and a customised action plan for each participant to help them gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to actively pursue zero carbon and regenerative goals which align with the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment.

Participants include hospitality operators, accommodation providers, community group representatives and event organisers.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty programme

The first Eastern Bay of Plenty intake of the free 12-week programme, The Green Room | Te Rūma Kākāriki, was launched in Ōhope on March 15 2023. Eighteen businesses and organisations are taking part in the cohort.

The part-time programme takes a holistic approach to sustainability, incorporating economic, visitor, community, and environmental actions. It includes topics such as carbon footprint measurements and practical steps that can be taken to reduce waste and carbon.

Whakatāne District Council deputy mayor Lesley Immink, Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan, and Tourism Industry Aotearoa sustainability advocate Gisela Purcell were key speakers at last Wednesday’s launch event, which was followed by a workshop for programme participants.

Tourism Bay of Plenty head of strategy and insights, Stacey Linton, says the launch was particularly timely given the recent unseasonable weather in the North Island, which dramatically highlighted the realities of climate change.

The Green Room was first launched in Waihī Beach in May last year, and 28 Coastal Bay of Plenty visitor sector businesses and organisations have since graduated from the programme. Stacey says the aim is to have 100 graduates from across the region within two years.

“Consumer values are changing as people become more conscious of climate change and the impact of their actions. Locals and visitors are wanting to support businesses and destinations that leave a light footprint or, better yet, give back. This was an emerging market pre-COVID, and it’s growing,” she says.

“According to Expedia, 90 per cent of consumers are looking for sustainable options while travelling. Half said they would pay more for transportation, activities, and accommodation if the option was more sustainable.”

The Green Room is managed by Tourism Bay of Plenty, delivered by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), and funded by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Whakatāne District Council is also supporting this cohort.