Environmental Impacts
The remoteness of Christmas Island accentuates the need for sustainable travel practices, given the fragile ecosystems that thrive here. From the lush rainforests to the steep cliffs and coral-fringed shores, every facet of the island's environment is a delicate marvel. Sustainable travel involves respecting and preserving these ecosystems, minimising waste, and adopting eco-friendly practices to ensure the island's natural treasures endure for generations to come.

How You Can Help

• Be mindful in how you pack and limit all rubbish and packaging brought to Christmas Island. 

• There are no recycling facilities on Christmas Island, please consider taking your rubbish home with you if space allows

• Respect marked walking tracks, car parks, roads and designated visitor areas to prevent damage to delicate ecosystems

• Reduce plastic usage and bring or buy reusable water bottles, coffee cups and containers

• Refill stations are available throughout the island to fill up water bottles with free drinking water. Tap water is also drinkable on Christmas Island.

• Minimise waste and adopt eco-friendly practices to reduce your carbon footprint

• Take all rubbish with you

• Conserve water resources and use energy responsibly in accommodation

• Do not feed, touch or put stress on wildlife

• Join the beach clean ups that regularly happen at numerous beaches on the island. Ask the Visitor Centre for further information

• Report injured birds or wildlife to CI National Parks on +61459 806 709 and park officers will come to collect. Please don't attempt to pick up injured wildlife yourself, as sharp bills and teeth can cause injury
  

Socio-Economic Impacts: Empowering Local Communities

Your visit to Christmas Island contributes to the socio-economic fabric of the local community. Embrace sustainable travel by supporting local businesses, artists, and cultural experiences. Engage with the island's vibrant community, and your journey becomes not only a personal adventure but a means of fostering economic resilience and community well-being.

How You Can Help

• Support local businesses, markets, and organisations to contribute to the island's economy

• Choose accommodations with a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices

• Engage with the local community through respectful interactions and cultural experiences

• Word of mouth about your extraordinary experiences on Christmas Island help contribute to increased visitation. Tell your family and friends about this one of a kind destination.

Cultural Impacts: Respecting Heritage, Cultures and Traditions

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Christmas Island's diverse cultures, a unique blend shaped by decades of history. Sustainable travel involves respecting local cultures, traditions, and heritage. Whether exploring historic or cultural sites, interacting with locals, or participating in cultural events, your journey becomes a respectful celebration of the island's cultural diversity.

How You Can Help

• Dress modestly when visiting the Kampong area, where many Muslim people live. You might like to carry a wrap or sarong to cover bathing suits, bare arms or revealing clothing.

• Swimwear is perfectly acceptable on the beach, but public nudity is not allowed anywhere on Christmas Island and swimwear should be reserved for swimming only.

• You are welcome to visit the island’s Chinese temples and take photos if you like. However, please remember that these are places of worship and show respect at all times.

• Take off your shoes before entering a temple, mosque or somebody’s home.

• Muslims use their right hand for eating, giving and receiving. Our Muslim residents will appreciate you doing the same when interacting with them.

• Avoid touching another person on the head.

• Learn about and respect local cultures, the island’s history and traditions

• Participate in cultural events and support initiatives that promote the preservation of cultural heritage
  

Sustainable Management: Protecting Paradise

Christmas Island Tourism Association is committed to sustainable tourism management, ensuring that tourism coexists harmoniously with nature and culture. Christmas Island Tourism Association’s tourism startegy has a focus on responsible tourism practices, conservation efforts, cultural ethicacy and community involvement. By adopting sustainable tourism management principles, we aim to facilitate sustainable tourism growth the delicate balance between preserving the island's natural wonders and providing enriching experiences for visitors.

How You Can Help

• Follow guidelines provided by CI National Park rangers to ensure the preservation of natural habitats

• Participate in conservation initiatives, beach cleanups or volunteer programs to contribute to sustainable management

• Stay informed about and adhere to sustainable tourism policies implemented on the island

• Please stick to paths when walking and designated roads when driving and parking.

Christmas Island Sustainable Travel : Leave No Trace, Embrace Responsibility

As responsible travelers, visitor’s actions play a vital role in safeguarding Christmas Island's beauty. Please take your rubbish with you, leaving no trace of your presence. Please avoid plastic usage as there are no recylcling facilities are available on island. Please do not feed or touch wildlife and avoid leaving food scraps behind, ensuring the delicate ecological balance remains undisturbed.

Embrace sustainable travel on Christmas Island, where each step you take becomes a meaningful contribution to the preservation of this paradise. Let's together nurture nature, empower communities, and respect Christnas Island’s cultural heritage for the well-being of our paradise for generations to come.