Sustainability has become increasingly visible within the accommodation and tourism industry, but when selling a hotel, motel, resort or tourism business, broad environmental claims should be supported by evidence.

That is particularly relevant on the Coffs Coast.

Coffs Harbour is recognised as New South Wales' first certified ECO Destination, and the City identifies sustainable and nature-based tourism as an important part of the region's visitor economy.

For accommodation owners considering selling, this creates an opportunity to document genuine environmental improvements without overstating what the business has achieved.

Start With What the Property Actually Does

A seller should first identify the sustainability measures genuinely operating at the property.

These could involve solar generation, energy-efficient equipment, water-management initiatives, waste-reduction systems, electric-vehicle infrastructure, reduced single-use products or environmentally focused landscaping.

The important word is genuinely.

Do not claim environmental certification simply because the broader destination holds recognition, and do not describe a property as sustainable based only on marketing language.

Document Capital Expenditure

If money has been invested in energy or resource efficiency, retain the invoices and technical information.

For example, if solar equipment, efficient hot-water systems, updated air-conditioning or water-saving infrastructure has been installed, buyers may want to understand when the work was completed and what equipment is involved.

Where operating-cost improvements are claimed, historical bills and accounts can provide more useful evidence than estimates.

Separate Certification From Marketing

If the individual accommodation business has received accreditation or certification, keep copies of the relevant documentation and confirm its current status.

If it has not, avoid language that could imply otherwise.

A property located within an environmentally recognised tourism destination can still discuss its location and local visitor offering without claiming an accreditation it does not possess.

Consider the Guest Experience

Environmental initiatives can also form part of the guest experience.

A Coffs Coast accommodation property may have links to beaches, national parks, walking experiences or other nature-based attractions.

Where the business has genuine partnerships or established packages with local operators, these arrangements can be documented as part of the commercial story.

However, sellers should distinguish formal agreements from informal referrals.

Buyers Still Need the Numbers

Sustainability initiatives do not replace normal financial due diligence.

A purchaser will still assess income, expenditure, property condition, staffing, agreements and future capital requirements.

Where environmental improvements have reduced a particular operating cost, sellers should show historical evidence rather than promising future savings.

Credibility Is More Valuable Than Green Marketing

A professional sale campaign does not need to label every accommodation property "eco".

Clear information about actual equipment, operational procedures, accreditation and measurable expenditure can tell a stronger story.

For Coffs Harbour accommodation owners, that approach fits naturally with the region's established sustainability positioning while keeping the sales material accurate.

Norton’s Resort Brokers can assist owners with preparing and presenting the commercial strengths of hotels, motels, resorts and accommodation businesses to suitable buyer groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every accommodation business in Coffs Harbour ECO certified?

No. Recognition of Coffs Harbour as an ECO Destination does not mean every individual property holds its own environmental accreditation.

Should I provide energy and water bills to buyers?

Where operating efficiency is being presented as a material feature of the business, historical records may help substantiate the claim.

Can sustainability add value?

It may influence buyer interest or operating considerations, but value depends on the complete property and business. Sellers should avoid applying an unsupported premium.

Disclaimer: General information only. Environmental performance, accreditation and business value should be independently verified where relevant.