TIA and Tourism Bay of Plenty are celebrating the graduation of 100 tourism operators businesses or organisations who have gone through a 12-week sustainability programme called Te Rūma Kākāriki The Green Room.

This programme has been run by Tourism Industry Aotearoa & Envirohub Bay of Plenty for Tourism Bay of Plenty and Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana. It’s a leading example of tourism regions learning to walk the sustainability talk.

The connections made during one of the Green Room cohorts accelerated the launch of Sustainable Waihī Beach, which is working hard to reduce single-use plastic and eliminate pests in the popular seaside town.

Sustainable Waihī Beach founder and Surf Shack co-owner Pippa Coombes says the village’s business owners have recognised a shift in consumer values towards more sustainable practices and understand the importance of contributing to that change.

“Locals and visitors increasingly want to support businesses and destinations that give back to the environment. Our businesses have embraced The Green Room's principles and are now actively promoting these alongside the Tiaki Promise. We are enthusiastically encouraging visitors to commit to caring for New Zealand's people, places, and culture.”

Funding for the first 100 participants of The Green Room was provided by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana. Tourism Bay of Plenty has secured funding via the Tauranga City Council Sustainability Innovation Fund to continue the programme for the next 12 months, focusing on hospitality and related business linked to the visitor economy.