In a country as environmentally advanced as Australia, what was the background behind HIS's decision to build its own independent network of water dispensers?

Australia is one of the world's leading nations in environmental conservation. While plastic reduction and nature protection are core values deeply ingrained across society, what often surprises travelers is the high cost of water. It is not uncommon for a bottle of water, which costs about 100 yen in Japan, to cost around 500 yen here.
In the tropical climate of Cairns, staying hydrated is essential for health management. Yet, having to purchase expensive water every time you're thirsty is not only a financial burden for customers--it also creates a dilemma, as every sip results in more plastic waste.
Driven by the mission to ease the burden on our customers and also protect the beautiful nature of Cairns, HIS launched the "Water Dispenser Installation Project" to create an environment where free water could be provided to customers. Creating a system that is both economically and environmentally friendly--that is the origin of our service.
Currently, this project is expanding, with installations increasing to four locations in Cairns city, two in Palm Cove, three in Kuranda, and two each in the Gold Coast and Sydney. We carefully selected convenient spots where travelers frequently stop, such as tour desks, lounges, and gift shops.

What challenges did you face when installing the water dispensers?

For installation, we carefully selected locations following extensive consultations with technical specialists to ensure a reliable power supply and rigorous hygiene management. While we occasionally faced challenges--such as concerns that the units might be difficult for customers to find--we moved forward with the installations by conducting on-site trials and resolving each issue one by one.
Furthermore, we did not achieve this project alone. We couldn't have done it without the vital cooperation of local suppliers, who have been our partners in tourism promotion for many years.
 It was the trust we had built, going beyond a mere administrative contract to place a water dispenser, that enabled us to secure so many spots. It is a vital system that we have built step by step, hand-in-hand with our local partners.
A particularly difficult challenge was curating a network of stops that felt both convenient and balanced for travelers. For example, in Kuranda Village, we once visited an accessory shop unannounced to negotiate for an ideal location. We earnestly conveyed our philosophy of sustainability, and the shop owner sympathized with our vision and readily accepted the installation.
Now, customers who stop by the shop for a water refill also enjoy shopping, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. We feel that this community-wide circle of support enriches our customers' journeys even more.

We've heard you produce original "aQuAs My Bottles." Could you share the story behind the materials and design, and how they enhance the overall journey for your customers?

For HIS Australia tours, we feature two brands of water bottles as special gifts to be a partner for the journey. One of them, the "MiiR" bottle, has a tracking number on the bottom of every product. By scanning the QR code*, customers can check not only the bottle's material but also how a portion of the purchase price is donated to environmental and social support projects. We also focused on the design, featuring animals that symbolize Australia so that customers can take a small piece of their trip home with them.
Our collection features two designs:the adorable "Quokka" native to Rottnest Island and the always-popular "Koala."
We also place great value on the simple act of refilling your own bottle. Compared to the convenience of buying plastic, refilling requires a bit more effort--perhaps even a moment of inconvenience-- However, we believe that by consciously choosing this action, people gain a deeper awareness that serves as a vital first step in thinking about our environment.
We've received encouraging  feedback from customers, with many sharing that they've stopped buying plastic bottles and that the experience inspired a lasting shift in their environmental awareness.
Moreover, for those whose packages do not include a my bottle as a gift, or for independent travelers visiting Cairns or the Gold Coast, the bottles can be purchased at the local tour lounge.

Could you share with us the impact on reducing plastic waste since the start of the project, as well as your future expansion plans?

The results of this initiative are already becoming apparent. We currently distribute approximately 4,000 bottles annually. Assuming an average customer stay of 3 to 4 days, and that they switched from purchasing one plastic bottle per day to using a reusable one, this calculates to a reduction of approximately 12,000 to 16,000 single-use plastic bottles annually. This is a massive impact made possible by every single customer valuing and using the bottles they received.
The project continues to expand. What started in Cairns has now reached the Gold Coast, and a few months ago, operations also began in Sydney. We are currently negotiating further installations in other major HIS Australia hubs, including Melbourne and Perth.
Our vision extends even further, with plans to expand this system across the entire Oceania region, such as New Zealand and Fiji.

Tell us why the Australian Koala Foundation was selected for the partnership that began last year, and how the donated funds are being used?

The biggest reason we chose the Australia Koala Foundation as our partner was the deep "connection" we forged through our online tours during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this decision was also driven by the critical challenges facing Australian tourism.
For many customers visiting Cairns and the Gold Coast, the experience of "holding a koala and taking a photo" is a highlight of their trip, creating a lifelong memory. However, koalas are currently listed as an endangered species, and their population is in a critical state. Regulations are becoming stricter from an environmental protection perspective, and the number of zoos that have ended the "koala cuddle" experience is steadily increasing.
If things continue this way, the unique experience of holding a koala and feeling its warmth may become a thing of the past in the near future.
"We want to protect the smiles of our customers coming from Japan. And we want to protect the future of the koalas who give those smiles."
When we thought of this, the first people who came to mind were the members of the "Australia Koala Foundation," who helped us promote the charm of koalas during our online tours amid the pandemic. Moving beyond the screen, we wanted to build a sustainable future for koalas as real travel returns. It was this strong desire that led us to reconnect and establish this meaningful partnership.
The donations entrusted to us are primarily used to support activities that protect the koala's natural forest habitat. Furthermore, the funds are also allocated to scientific research institutions that investigate the koala's health status and environmental changes, ensuring their ecosystem is protected through expert-led initiatives.
It is our mission, walking alongside the Australia Koala Foundation with whom we share the same vision, to pass on the profound emotional experience of interacting with koalas to the next generation.

As HIS Australia, what kind of awareness do you hope travelers will gain through their journeys regarding major issues like deforestation and climate change?

In addition to the water dispensers and the Koala Foundation, HIS Australia provides "coral-friendly sunscreen" as a tour benefit to protect the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage site. Amidst the ongoing coral bleaching caused by rising seawater temperatures and the shrinking of coral reefs, we partnered with a specialist to create an original HIS sunscreen that minimizes its environmental impact on the ocean.
Our goal is a future where we comprehensively protect the ocean, the forests, and the animals.
We believe that travel, at its heart, should be about enjoyment. However, we also recognize that travel can unintentionally impact the environment. Our goal isn't to ask our guests for extreme sacrifices or an overly "stoic" approach. Instead, we want to create a world where simply choosing to travel Australia with HIS means you are already protecting koalas, safeguarding coral, and reducing plastic waste--without even having to think about it. We want to make "sustainable travel" the standard, where the joy of the journey naturally leads to the preservation of our environment.
Our commitment goes beyond Australia. We are currently expanding our water refill network across all of Oceania, and starting with our next New Zealand brochure, we will launch a new donation initiative to protect the country's endangered national bird, the Kiwi. 
Our goal is to create a system where a single traveler's sense of joy becomes the driving force that preserves Oceania's rich natural heritage for the future. We intend to continue expanding and evolving this framework across the entire region.

*The QR Code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.