Meeting papers

What is Regenerative Tourism
While the terms sustainable tourism and regenerative tourism are often used interchangeably,
for the purposes of Noosa’s Destination Management we’re making this distinction:

Sustainable tourism: traditionally focuses on doing no further harm, aiming to reduce any
further negative impacts on our community and environment.

Regenerative tourism: takes another step forward, seeking to actively restore and improve
Noosa’s community and environment, and leaving Noosa better than it was found.


                                                                  Regenerative
               Sustainable
                                                              Leave it better than
          Do no further harm
                                                                 you found it

For us, the distinction matters, because our community has called for more than doing “less
harm” and ensuring Noosa is left better than it was found, our evaluation framework and
implementation plan reflect this.



Why Now
Throughout the consultation on the development of this plan, the community expressed great
optimism about Noosa’s future and a strong desire for Council to be bold8 in protecting our special
places.

Respondents told us they want a visitor economy that enhances their lifestyle, supports local
businesses, safeguards our natural environment, and contributes positively to Noosa’s identity and
long-term sustainability.

A consistent concern raised by the community was the increasing challenge of day-visitation (day-
trippers) who currently make up almost half of all visitors to Noosa but account for less than 10% of
overall visitor spending in the region.

While Noosa warmly welcomes those who come to enjoy our beaches, national parks, and villages,
the increasing challenges associated with day visitation is placing increased pressure on our roads,
parking, foreshore, significant places, environment and public amenities*¹.

This challenge is expected to intensify as population growth accelerates in nearby regions such as the
Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Moreton Bay, all within easy driving distance of Noosa.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a major opportunity for Queensland and
Noosa, with increased global attention expected to strengthen the Queensland and Noosa’s
international brand and attract more visitors. While Noosa will not host official events, it is anticipated

8
    DMP Phase 1 Community Engagement Results

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