Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters have constantly been striving towards greener and more eco-friendly tours, a focus they have had at the core of their business ethos since they launched in 1981! With a mission to foster passion for nature and deliver transformational experiences, multi-award-winning, Tropic Wings has recently been awarded the Environmental Innovation Award at the 2024 Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) Industry Awards.
Having been an eco-certified business for over two decades, Tropic Wings’ latest initiative involves introducing 12 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with plans to transition 80% of its vehicles to electric by 2028. This initiative, supported by partners such as EnergyAustralia and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
Tropic Wings General Manager Colin Anderson said they are honoured to receive the Environmental Innovation Award from QBIC, which recognises Tropic Wings’ ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and innovation in the tourism industry.
Additionally, the company continues offsetting emissions by planting trees in local reforestation projects with Reforest, contributing to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation. Through Reforest, Tropic Wings supports restoring degraded agricultural land on the Atherton Tablelands, planting rainforest species to restore native Mabi rainforest. Mabi rainforest is the home to many threatened species including the Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo and the Hervert River Ringtail Possum.
Tropic Wings recognises and combats climate change and its impacts through multiple measures:
- As the first tour operator in Australia to integrate fully electric coaches into tours
- A 100% electric bus operating on Kuranda tours since 2018 reducing CO2 emissions by up to 30 tonnes each year
- Drivers are trained to operate responsibly, as an example not leaving engines idling when the coach is not in use, reducing noise and air pollution
- Delivering informative and relevant commentary about the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to educate and increase visitor awareness about the biodiversity, ecological and cultural significance of the destination
Tropic Wings is a member of the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame, having been Eco Certified for 20 years.
For more information contact Colin Anderson, General Manager of Tropic Wings [email protected]
