When choosing where to holiday, more of us than ever are thinking about our environmental footprint.

One recent survey found nearly three quarters of travellers considered sustainable travel important. A similar UK survey found 71% of travellers felt the same, with nearly half reporting that climate change influenced their choices.

For eco-conscious travellers, sustainability certifications make it simple to book activities and accommodation they can feel at ease about. Behind the scenes, however, things aren’t so straightforward.

Vague definitions mean firms are left to work out what sustainable tourism actually means. Abstract concepts such as “net zero” and “regenerative tourism” often add to the confusion. Then comes the challenge of putting these into practice.

How should firms choose sustainability initiatives, what do these involve, and how do they keep their credentials?

To build a clearer picture, we visited tourism firms across New Zealand to learn more about how the country’s second-largest export sector can become more sustainable.

With the industry aiming to double the value of tourism exports within a decade – all while balancing its environmental, economic and social impacts – this green goal is only........

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