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When it comes to hotels, green means go to a growing number of travellers, says Tiana Templeman

Test for Eco

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Private Ranger Tour on Fraser Island

ueensland tourism

Paradise Bay Eco Escape beach

travelling responsibly doesnt have to mean roughing it. I started to think that it might still be possible to experience everything you would want in

operators are increasingly bandying about

the phrase triple bottom line. No, it isnt a sound bite from the latest Wall Street movie, its an approach to eco-tourism thats all about good, not greed. So how does a hotel juggle strict environmental policies and their guests expectations of a luxurious stay? Thats where the triple bottom line comes in. By separately measuring their profits, degree of social responsibility and planet-friendliness, hoteliers are better able to gauge the cost of doing business and thus make better decisions. Thats not to say theres no profit boost for green hotels. Weve noticed a spike in the number of eco-hotel bookings, says John Feenaghty, general manager of Quickbeds.com. Environmental concerns are a strong focus and motivator in the tourism industry at the moment. More and more ecosavvy travellers are booking hotels with a conscience. Paradise Bay Eco Escape, an environmentally friendly resort in the Whitsundays, proves that I started to think that it might still be possible to experience everything you would want in an island holiday without having to leave behind too many of the luxuries people were used to

an island holiday without having to leave behind too many of the luxuries people had become used to, owner Peter Spann says. He bought an existing resort on Long Island and after giving it a makeover, invested heavily in solar power and water- treatment equipment. But this was only the start. Like many eco-hotels, much of Paradise Bays success comes down to awareness.

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Kingfisher Bay Resort

How Green is Your Hotel?

Looking to leave a light footprint on your next holiday? Use this questionnaire to find out how your hotel fares in the green stakes

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So successful is this tropical resorts behind-the-scenes educational tour which highlights the need to preserve natural resources that guests are convinced that they can survive without air-conditioning. Paradise Bay is the real deal but for every genuine green hotel, there are others that do little to protect the environment, even while advertising their eco credentials. Much of the confusion stems from the bewildering array of ecocertification logos on hotel websites. Tourism Queensland supports more than 10 independently audited green programmes that set standards for operating sustainably. But there are dozens more. Deciphering it all can be a headache for travellers, but the ambiguity isnt necessarily a bad thing. It can encourage transparency and limit opportunities for greenwashing. Genuine eco-friendly hotels tend to have

1 Are environmentally friendly toiletries provided in guest rooms? 2 Does the hotel contribute to carbon-offset programmes and encourage guests to do the same? 3 Is the hotel in an industry-recognised certification programme? 4 How does the hotel reduce, reuse and recycle waste? 5 Does the hotel commit to environmentally responsible purchasing? 6 Does the hotel encourage guests to conserve and re-use? 7 Does the hotel have a documented environmental policy? 8 Does the hotel commit to energy and water conservation?

plenty of readily available information to back up their claims. Kingfisher Bay Resort, an ecotourism property on Fraser Island, is a case in point. While its highly unusual for guests to ask us about eco tourism at point-of-sale, were certainly prepared if our customers want to know more, says group managing director Gary Smith. Guests can access a dedicated section on the resorts website detailing its much-awarded eco philosophy. As consumer awareness of green issues has grown, so has the hotel industrys responsiveness, thus helping to ensure that the pleasures of Queensland are here to be enjoyed for years to come. Paradise Bay Eco Escape, tel: (0)7 4946 9777, www.paradisebay.com.au

Paradise Bay Eco Escape dinner under the stars

Kingfisher Bay Resort, tel: (0)7 4194 9300, www.kingfisherbay.com

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