Promise of sustainability profit.

Organisers of a new sustainability course are promising bottom-line benefits to local tourism businesses when workshops begin next month.

The Queenstown Resilient Business Programme – run by Otago Polytechnic’s Centre for Sustainable Practice – is a bid to get local operators into line with common environmental, socially responsible and financially viable goals.

Through a series of made-to-measure solutions, action plans and practical advice, each business should be able to improve their “triple bottom line” by operating sustainably, says Arrowtown-based sustainable tourism advisor Sharon Schindler.

“It aims to improve the overall operation of the business community, bring local tourism businesses into line with the sustainable directions outlined in the Tourism Strategy 2015 and to provide region-wide economic, social and environmental benefits.”

During sessions held at Queenstown Resort College, businesses will learn ways to reduce costs involving waste, water, power and maintenance, as well living up to the “100% Pure” tourism promise.

The course begins with an introductory workshop, followed by more specialised classes and one-on-one adviser time for as long as the business needs.

The programme’s overseen by representatives from Queens­­town Lakes District Council, Destination Queenstown and the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce and is subsidised by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry for the Environment as part of the Sustainable Tourism Advisors in Regions programme.

Aimed at general managers and business owners, the course is designed for large or small companies. Costs depend on business size.

Schindler, who’ll run the workshops with CSP boss Steve Henry, takes up to 12 businesses at a time – subject to a selection criteria. Several major local tourism companies have already signed up, she says.

The programme begins on February 17, with further intakes in June and October.