Home to the world’s most beautiful beaches, Esperance has celebrated World Tourism Day by launching a ‘promise’ to elevate future sustainability in the tourism industry.
‘The Esperance Promise’ is an Australian-first initiative, and aims to encourage responsible travel behaviour among visitors, ensuring the natural environment and community values are respected.
Esperance business owners are getting behind the Promise and encouraging their guests to consider the environmental impact when they’re visiting.
Esperance Chalet Villages owner Fiona Shillington was born in Esperance, and after returning to the area years later, she knew this is where she wanted to stay. For her, the Promise is about protecting the beauty of the region.
“We came back to Esperance for a holiday, and my husband pointed out that the beaches here are mind blowing, which I just took for granted. Within a week of being in town, our noses were plastered on real estate windows, wondering what we could do here,” Fiona said.
“It’s hospitality with heart – as locals we know how special it is here, and we want visitors to feel that same magic.
“People come here to disconnect from the everyday, and connect with nature, and it’s up to all of us to be fiercely protective of our spectacular part of paradise,” she said.
Aligning with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, ‘Tourism and Peace’, the Esperance Promise promotes respect, sustainability and meaningful interactions between visitors and the local community.
Jaimen Hudson’s company Esperance Island Cruises tours the wild coastline and islands around dreamy Esperance, and despite being born here, Jaimen knows it’s remarkable.
“It’s the contrast of colours between the turquoise water, the white sand and granite rocks, and then you’ve got sealions, dolphins, and eagles flying around. We take people to the most untouched, beautiful coastal part of the world, and I’m not joking.”
Visitors are encouraged to ‘make the promise’, which can be found online.
The Esperance Promise aligns with the region’s recently launched tourism brand, “Esperance. In Your Element”, which aims to facilitate sustainable development of the tourism sector.
The Esperance Promise
While travelling in Esperance—Kepa Kurl country, I promise to embrace the elements of this land and ensure my visit is sustainable and respectful.
I will enjoy following paths less trodden, yet, I will stay on the marked trails.
Camping under the stars will be a wonder, enjoyed from designated camp areas.
Wildlife will remain wild, never fed or touched by human hands.
I will feel the wind on my face, and swim in the cool sea. Leaving only footprints in the sand.
Walking on the earth will ground me. Boots scrubbed clean, to stop the spread of weeds and disease.
When embarking on a 4WD adventure, I promise to be prepared and respectful of others.
I will admire the power of the ocean, being mindful of swell, rips, and slippery black rocks.
I will feel the sun on my back or the warmth of a campfire, never forgetting to be bushfire smart.
Time away from technology’s range will recharge me. Yet, I will plan to have no coverage.
Where locals live in their element and visitors feel like locals. I agree to be kind, take it slow and go with the flow.
I make this promise with nature and the community of Esperance. To care for this special place that you call home.
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