Kristin Dunne Tourism Bay of Plenty

Travel through our sun-drenched region and you get a sense that we have a bit of everything.

From scenic views, to enchanting orchards and the abundance of eateries.

The Coastal Bay of Plenty's allure is irresistible.

But we run the risk of tarnishing this if we don't manage our region's booming tourism industry sustainably - environmentally, socially and economically.

Which is why we are pledging our support to Tourism Industry Aotearoa's New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC), which aims to see every Kiwi tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025.

In doing so, we can help restore, protect and enhance our natural environment and continue to be a high-quality destination of choice for domestic and international travellers with a social conscience.

The good news is that it's something many of you already support as we currently lead the way with the most operator sign-ups nationwide – 58%.

This includes our Tauranga i-SITE, Waimarino Kayak Tours and a number of our accommodation providers spanning the coast.

But wouldn't it be great to be the first to reach the 100% mark across the country?

Just look at Mount Shore Trips & Tours. Not only has it signed up to the TSC, but it has been co-funded $134,250 (a 50% contribution) to add the country's first 100% electric coach to its fleet.

Courtesy of the fourth round of the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, which is overseen by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, the company will have a 25-30 seat 100% electric tour coach and install three charging stations, operational early next year.

It's initiatives like this which puts us in the driver's seat to steer our industry in a sustainable direction.

We hope you will join us.