Tourism industry gets practical tools to cut energy costs and carbon
Designed specifically for accommodation, hospitality, transport operators and activity providers, the new course walks businesses through understanding their energy use...
Tourism businesses in Aotearoa now have fresh, practical support to reduce energy use, lower operating costs and strengthen sustainability, thanks to a new training course launched by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) in partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Energy Efficiency for Tourism: Reducing Costs and Carbon While Enhancing the Guest Experience is now live on Akiaki – Advancing Tourism, with EECA funding the development of the course. It becomes the 11th module in the Akiaki programme, which guides operators through the key pillars of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment — from being an employer of choice and embracing Māori values to measuring emissions and cutting waste.
Read the latest edition of AccomNews HERE
Designed specifically for accommodation, hospitality, transport operators and activity providers, the new course walks businesses through understanding their energy use, identifying “quick win” savings, and planning longer-term investments that boost resilience. Practical tools, step-by-step guidance and sector-specific examples are included throughout.
TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram says the course responds directly to what members have been asking for.
“Our latest Tourism Sustainability Commitment survey showed that 98 percent of operators say sustainability is important to their business, and nearly half want online information, tools and resources to help accelerate their actions even further. This course delivers exactly that.”
EECA Sector Partnerships Lead Jo Parag says the collaboration ensures tourism businesses have access to specialised, fit-for-purpose support.
“We know there are real opportunities across tourism operations to reduce energy consumption in ways that enhance the guest experience. This course brings expertise together in an accessible format, helping businesses of all sizes find solutions that save money while reducing environmental impact.”
The course also showcases real-world examples, including Hotel Britomart in Auckland and Ziptrek Ecotours in Queenstown, demonstrating how energy efficiency efforts can fuel both sustainability progress and business growth.
Ingram says improving energy performance will be essential to achieving the aspirations of Tourism 2050 – A Blueprint for Impact.
“Energy efficiency is a fundamental component of our industry strategy. This latest course provides another practical tool to help members build on their sustainability actions while growing stronger, more resilient businesses.”
The launch further supports TIA’s commitments under the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, which the organisation signed in May 2025, reinforcing its pledge to lead by example, share knowledge and catalyse collective action across the sector.
