How Tourism Businesses Can Make a Genuine Impact:
A Case from Southern Tasmania, Australia
Dr Elleke Leurs
October 2025
This is a real example of how a commercial tourism business can move beyond sustainability buzzwords and take meaningful action. In Southern Tasmania, the hospitality teams from ibis Styles Hotels ibis Styles Hobart and Mövenpick Hotel Hobart recently participated in two community-led conservation events that showcased how tourism operators can contribute to environmental stewardship, wildlife protection, and community connection — all while enriching their own staff and guest experiences.
These events weren’t about ticking boxes. They were about rolling up sleeves, learning from local experts, and making a tangible difference. The outcomes were positive across the board: for wildlife, for the environment, for the community, and for the tourism staff who came away inspired and informed, resulting in a better connection with their guests when asked about Tasmanian wildlife.
Event One: Learning Through Action
The first event focused on education, creativity, and direct support for wildlife carers, right at the house of one of the most experienced wildlife carers in Tasmania. It began with a screening of a locally produced documentary Road kill Warriors that explores the realities of wildlife rescue in Tasmania — the challenges, the heartbreak, and the resilience of those working on the front lines. For many of the hotel staff, this was their first exposure to the depth of the issue. The film sparked meaningful conversations and gave context to the work they were about to support.
Following the screening, the team got involved in a hands-on activity: painting and decorating nesting boxes that had been built by a local men’s shed group. These boxes will be sold to raise funds for wildlife care and conservation efforts. It was a creative and collaborative task, and it gave staff a sense of ownership and contribution.
They also learned about the materials and methods used by wildlife carers — including the handmade pouches used for rescued marsupials. These small but vital items are part of the daily care routines for injured and orphaned animals, and seeing them up close helped staff understand the practical needs of carers and the animals they support.
The day included a shared home-cooked meal and a chance to reflect. Staff were able to ask questions, hear stories from carers, and connect with the deeper purpose behind the work. It was a powerful introduction to the world of wildlife rescue — and a reminder that tourism can play a role in supporting it.
Event Two: Habitat Restoration and Conservation
The second event was more physically demanding but equally rewarding. This time, the focus was on habitat restoration and direct conservation work. Staff joined a local Land for Wildlife property to plant native species helping to restore and improve the ecosystems and support biodiversity. The planting was guided by the landowners and supported by seedlings donated from a local council nursery.
One of the highlights of the day was the construction of an ABC Gardening Australia inspired “Bandicoot Bungalow” — a purpose-built shelter designed to support the endangered eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii). These small marsupials are under threat due to habitat loss and predation (in Tasmania mostly dogs and feral cats), and providing safe spaces is a key part of their conservation. Building the shelter was a hands-on, team-based activity that gave staff a sense of direct impact.
Throughout the day, staff learned about the importance of native vegetation, the role of shelter in species survival, and the broader ecological context of their work. They were able to see how even small actions — planting a tree, placing a shelter — contribute to a larger conservation effort.
Positive Outcomes for All
These two events demonstrated how tourism businesses can engage meaningfully with local conservation efforts. The benefits were clear:
- For wildlife and the environment: Native habitat was restored, shelters were built, and funds were raised for ongoing care. These are tangible outcomes that contribute directly to conservation goals.
- For the community: Local carers and conservation groups received support, recognition, and new connections. The events helped bridge the gap between tourism and grassroots environmental work.
- For tourism staff: Participants gained knowledge, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the local environment. Many said they now feel better equipped to answer guests’ questions about wildlife and conservation — not just with facts, but with personal experience.
- For the business: These events strengthened team cohesion, enhanced staff engagement, and aligned the brand with genuine sustainability values. They also created stories and experiences that can be shared with guests, adding depth and authenticity to the visitor experience.
A Model for Other Operators
What made these events successful wasn’t just the activities themselves — it was the intention behind them. The tourism business involved didn’t approach sustainability as a marketing exercise. They partnered with local experts, listened, learned, and contributed in ways that were respectful, practical, and meaningful.
This model is replicable. Any tourism operator — large or small — can take similar steps:
- Partner with local organisations: Wildlife carers, conservation groups, and community initiatives are often looking for support. Reach out and ask how your business can help.
- Create opportunities for staff to engage: Education and hands-on involvement build understanding and commitment. Staff who feel connected to local issues are more likely to share that passion with guests.
- Focus on tangible outcomes: Whether it’s planting trees, building shelters, or fundraising, aim for actions that have a clear and lasting impact.
- Share the story: Let your guests know what you’re doing and why. Authentic sustainability efforts add value to the visitor experience and build trust in your brand.
Conclusion: Tourism That Gives Back
These two events in Southern Tasmania are a reminder that be regenerative. It can give back to the land, the wildlife, and the communities that make travel meaningful.
By stepping outside the hotel and into the field, these staff members didn’t just learn about sustainability — they lived it. And in doing so, they helped build a model for tourism that’s not only responsible, but inspiring.
If you’re a tourism operator wondering how to start, this is your invitation. Partner locally. Act meaningfully. And let your business be part of the solution