Qantas has re-affirmed its support for sustainable tourism through the
Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism in 2009.
Group Executive Qantas Airlines Commercial, Mr Rob Gurney, said the award was developed to
encourage Australian Tourism Operators to minimise their impact on the environment.
The Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism 2009 will:
recognise and reward tourism businesses that implement the principles of sustainable tourism,
those who set out to minimise their impact on the local environment, conserve natural resources,
respect local culture and benefit local communities;

inspire other tourism businesses to adopt new sustainable ways of doing business; and

acknowledge tourism businesses that provide a unique travel experience and inspire visitors to
promote Australia as one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.

“Qantas will again offer a $25,000 cash prize to the winner of the sustainable tourism category at the
National Australian Tourism Awards,” Mr Gurney said.
“The Qantas Group has a carefully coordinated approach to managing the environmental impacts of
its operations in place. As a result we established this award last year to reward tourism operators,
who have demonstrated a real commitment to their environmental sustainability.”
A national award winner will be selected from the State and Territory Sustainable Tourism Award
winners - also supported by Qantas.
Mr Gurney said Qantas support also included a series of seminars and workshops hosted around
Australia by the airline.
“The seminars support local operators in developing and adopting environmentally friendly business
practices,” he said.
“The inaugural winner last year was Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which operates in the Barron Gorge
National Park, a Queensland World Heritage Area.”
Tourism operators wishing to enter the Qantas Sustainable Tourism Awards should visit qantas.com
or contact their local State Tourism Organisation.
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