Australian businesses seeking to capitalise on the increasing popularity of sustainable tourism will have access to the insights of leading international experts at a US Studies Centre conference in Sydney this week.

The Green Visitor Economy: Sustainability through innovation & strategic partnerships will show how evidence-based research into the behaviour and psychology of consumers can boost the visitor economy.

Presented in partnership with the Sustainability Transparency Accountability Research (STAR) Lab, a research project at the University of Sydney, the conference will feature a keynote address by David Gottfried, the founder of the US Green Building Council. Mr Gottfried will explain how his experience matching sustainability offerings with consumer demands can help businesses provide eco-friendly tourism experiences.

Also joining the discussion by video link will be Harvard professor Michael Hiscox, who is launching a web-based system designed to help businesses better understand their costumers' preferences for environmentally-friendly goods and services.

Mr Gottfried will be available for interviews.

What: The Green Visitor Economy: Sustainability through innovation and strategic partnerships When: Tuesday 13 August, 9am registration for 9:15am–12:30pm Where: Bayside Gallery, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Jonathan Bradley, T 0411 864 702 or E