5 year sustainability plan for Your Exclusive Tours

Your Exclusive Tours is committed to prioritising sustainable operations.

Vision & Commitment

We aim to provide memorable, high-quality private tours across Victoria while actively protecting the environment, respecting culture, and supporting local communities. Our sustainability vision aligns with Experience Victoria 2033 and global sustainable tourism principles.

Commitments:

• Operate with minimal environmental impact.
• Celebrate and promote Victoria’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
• Deliver positive economic and social outcomes for communities.
• Continuously improve through innovation and accountability.

Key Sustainability Goals

Environmental Stewardship – Reduce emissions, conserve biodiversity, and promote regenerative tourism.

Cultural Respect & Enrichment – Partner with First Peoples and local cultural custodians.

Economic Contribution – Support regional dispersal and benefit local suppliers.

Community & Visitor Well-being – Ensure safe, enriching experiences that promote awareness of sustainability.

Governance & Accountability – Embed sustainability in operations and measure progress.

Strategies & Actions

Environmental Sustainability

• Transport & Emissions
  • Transition progressively to hybrid/electric vehicles for tours.
  • Offset unavoidable emissions via our chosen accredited carbon offset provider Greenfleet.
  • Adopt eco-driving practices (efficient routes, minimal idling).
• Waste & Resource Management
  • Implement a zero single-use plastic policy (refillable bottles, digital guides).
  • Provide recycling & compost options during tours.
  • Use digital booking systems to reduce paper use.
• Nature & Wildlife Protection
  • Partner with Parks Victoria to follow visitor capacity guidelines.
  • Educate visitors on “leave no trace” principles.
  • Avoid wildlife disturbance by following approved viewing practices.

Cultural & Heritage Sustainability

• First Peoples Partnerships
  • Co-design itineraries with Traditional Owner groups where appropriate.
  • Incorporate authentic Aboriginal-led experiences into tours (arts, stories, bush tucker).
  • Acknowledge Country at the beginning of every tour.
• Heritage & Community
  • Promote regional museums, heritage towns, and cultural festivals.
  • Provide training for guides on cultural sensitivity and storytelling.

Economic & Community Sustainability

• Local Procurement
  • Source food, wine, and services from local producers.
  • Partner with family-run accommodation and regional attractions.
• Dispersal of Tourism
  • Encourage visitation to lesser-known destinations beyond Melbourne (e.g., Gippsland, Grampians).
  • Develop niche products—wellness retreats, agritourism, arts tours—to spread visitor spend.
• Community Investment
  • Donate a portion of revenue to local conservation or community projects.
  • Offer discounted or free tours for schools and community groups to foster local pride.

Visitor Education & Experience

• Provide a Sustainability Welcome Pack (digital) to clients highlighting eco-friendly practices.
• Share stories of Victoria’s biodiversity, conservation efforts, and local culture.
• Encourage guests to adopt sustainable habits during and after their tours.

Governance & Measurement

• Sustainability Officer – Nominate a team member to oversee implementation.
• Certifications – Work toward ECO Certification through Ecotourism Australia.
• KPIs & Reporting
  • Track carbon footprint annually.
  • Measure % of suppliers that are local & sustainable.
  • Gather visitor feedback on sustainability.
• Continuous Improvement – Annual review of progress with updates to goals.

Implementation Timeline

Expected Outcomes

• Lower carbon footprint and operational costs.
• Stronger relationships with communities and First Peoples.
• Increased visitor satisfaction and brand reputation.
• Contribution to Victoria’s tourism objectives: dispersal, sustainability, and inclusion.