The carbon footprint of domestic tourism

Abstract

This report provides an analysis of domestic tourism in New Zealand, its carbon footprint and the potential for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The analysis is based on the DTS (Domestic Tourism Study) data provided by the Ministry of Tourism. The footprinting exercise will focus on transport and accommodation behaviour, as these two components are associated with the highest carbon dioxide emissions. A high-level comparison will be provided between the carbon footprint of domestic tourism and the on-shore carbon dioxide emissions produced by international tourists. This is considered useful as currently much of the attention is on international tourism (partially because it involves the earning of foreign exchange) and most of the strategies (e.g. the Framework developed by the Ministry of Tourism) that deal with climate change and tourism focus on New Zealand’s 100% Pure image and ways for maintaining its integrity amongst international visitors.