Published: 27 September 2023
Today is World Tourism Day! This year the theme is better-targeted investments in green tourism. Stronger investment in sustainable and responsible tourism helps drive us all one step closer to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
We want to showcase some of Victoria's exciting sustainable tourism projects. These include the Penguin Parade Boardwalk upgrade at Phillip Island and The Briars expansion on the Mornington Peninsula.
The iconic Penguin Parade Boardwalk is set to receive a $5 million upgrade as part of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund. It will include a new boardwalk, viewing platform and improvements to the site experience.
The enhancements will help prevent erosion of the penguins’ homes due to foot traffic, allowing our feathery friends to continue thriving in their natural habitat. The project is due to be completed by December 2024.
Continuing on the theme of flora and fauna is The Briars’ $1.5 million expansion project. The Briars expansion project will increase the sanctuary area by an extra 40 hectares.
This will deliver more spaces for walking, reflection and animal observation. Here, locally extinct wildlife will be reintroduced and protected by a new predator-proof fence.
To complement the new habitat, indigenous plant species will be revegetated. First Peoples’ culture will also be represented through art installations, storytelling and media.
We’re committed to working towards more sustainable tourism with entities and industry. The Experience Victoria 2033 plan outlines how we will continue to work towards sustainable destinations and experiences.
You can learn more about the focus areas by reading the Experience Victoria 2033 plan.
