Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel becomes first Sustainable Tourism Certified Marriott in Australia

Ecotourism Australia is delighted to announce that Sydney Harbour Marriott has met globally recognised sustainable tourism criteria to become the first Marriott International Hotel in Australia to achieve their prestigious Sustainable Tourism Certification.

This recognition by Ecotourism Australia highlights Sydney Harbour Marriott’s commitment to meeting best-practice standards across environmental, socio-economic, cultural and sustainable management principles. The hotel’s initiatives include ‘Serve 360, their sustainability and social impact platform guiding eco-conscious actions such as implementing energy efficiency systems, prioritising water conservation, and championing sustainable and local produce sourcing for menu items. Additionally, their ‘Connect Responsibly’ initiative allows their numerous event planners and attendees to meet sustainability objectives.

Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan applauded the exceptional commitment of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel.

“Congratulations to Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay for taking this significant step on their sustainability journey. Their enthusiasm for and alignment to globally recognised sustainable tourism standards is a testament to their team and their commitment.

“We are proud to announce that Sydney Harbour Marriott is the first Marriott property to achieve our Sustainable Tourism Certification, and we look forward to working with Marriott to certify more of their Australian properties over the coming years.”

Sydney Harbour Marriott General Manager, Bernhard Langer, said achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification represents a significant step forward in the hotel’s ongoing journey towards sustainability and responsible tourism.

“Achieving Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification is a proud milestone for the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay. Guided by Marriott’s Serve 360 Sustainability Program, we’ve embedded environmentally responsible practices across every aspect of our operations, from reducing energy and water consumption to improving waste management and building strong partnerships with our local community.

“This recognition reaffirms our commitment to minimising our environmental footprint as a hospitality leader, while continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences as we work towards a more sustainable future.”

Achieving global best-practice Sustainable Tourism Certification is a meticulous process, involving over 200 key criteria across four pillars of sustainability. Certification involves an initial third-party audit, followed by periodic independent audits to maintain certification and demonstrate ongoing commitment to sustainability. Accommodation providers who have obtained Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia now have the option to add their certification to their Booking.com listing, making demonstrating sustainability credentials easier than ever.

END

Media contacts:

Ecotourism Australia – Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager
e: myv@ecotourism.org.au

ph: (07) 3256 6777

Sydney Harbour Marriott – Jayshree Sabhlok, Senior Manager – Brand, Marketing and Digital
e: Jayshree.Sabhlok@marriotthotels.com

About Ecotourism Australia

Ecotourism Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports Australia’s visitor economy through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. Our legacy program – ECO Certification – was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program and the Sustainable Tourism Certification, launched in 2022 supports non-nature based businesses achieve global best-practice. Today there are some 2200 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia.

About Marriott Hotels®

With about 600 hotels and resorts in over 70 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality – placing people first is the brand’s living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, with modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, leading the industry with innovations including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that embrace style, design, and technology. For more information, please visit www.marriotthotels.com, and stay connected on Facebook, @marriott on X, and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Eleven Leading Australian Tourism Businesses Inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame 

Eleven of Australia’s leading ecotourism operators have been inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame, recognised for maintaining ECO Certification for an extraordinary 20 years. These long-term leaders join 59 other businesses previously honoured for their consistent commitment to world-class sustainability standards. 

A further 13 operators were acknowledged as Green Travel Leaders, celebrating a decade of ECO Certification and their enduring contribution to responsible tourism. 

Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan, said the recognition not only celebrates longevity but highlights the values and integrity these operators have demonstrated year after year. 

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame reflects a remarkable 20-year commitment to world-leading sustainability standards,” said Ms. Keenan. “As the organisation who developed the world’s first national eco certification program, we’re honoured to recognise those who have been with us on the journey since our early days.”  

She added that both Hall of Fame inductees and Green Travel Leaders embody the values that underpin Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs. 

“Our Green Travel Leaders have demonstrated a decade of passion and consistency. Their work continues to raise the bar in delivering tourism experiences that are environmentally responsible and culturally respectful.” 

For many operators, this milestone is deeply personal. Jason Cleverley, General Manager of Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu National Park, said the Hall of Fame recognition was a powerful affirmation of their work in one of Australia’s most culturally and environmentally significant landscapes. 

“This milestone means a great deal to us. It’s not just a marker of time but of consistent values. Operating in Kakadu, we carry the responsibility of not only preserving but amplifying the stories, ecosystems and heritage of this land. 

The Hall of Fame recognition reaffirms the deep partnerships we’ve built with Traditional Owners, our commitment to low-impact operations, and our investment in Indigenous-led cultural tourism. It’s something every team member past and present can take pride in.” 

For Sunlover Reef Cruises, operating in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, sustainability is not optional—it’s fundamental. André MacLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer, said their long-standing certification has been a cornerstone of their business model. 

“Operating in one of the world’s most iconic marine environments, Ecotourism Australia certification is not just a choice, it’s a responsibility. 

Being certified for over two decades has given us a significant competitive advantage. It signals to guests, industry partners, and the broader tourism community that we are a credible, trusted operator with a long-standing commitment to sustainability. 

This recognition strengthens our brand, builds trust with eco-conscious travellers, and opens doors to meaningful collaborations with scientists, educators, and conservation organisations. Perhaps most importantly, it keeps us accountable, ensuring we remain at the forefront of best practices, innovation, and continuous improvement in reef stewardship.” 

Echoing this sentiment, Michael Johnson, Founder and Director of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, emphasised the benefits of certification in both domestic and international markets. 

“Being a certified Ecotourism Australia operator for two decades has provided us with a trusted seal of quality and credibility. This has been especially advantageous in international markets, where visitors are increasingly seeking out authentic, environmentally responsible experiences.”  

This year’s Hall of Fame and Green Travel Leader inductees are not only champions of sustainability—they are shaping the future of tourism in Australia and beyond. All operators certified by Ecotourism Australia are featured on the Green Travel Guide,  allowing travellers to find over 2,000 certified and sustainable experiences across Australia.

Hall of Fame 2025

• Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive  

• Baird Bay Experience 

• Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises 

• Calypso Reef Cruises 

• Cooinda Lodge Kakadu 

• JPT Tours 

• Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures 

• Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park 

• OzSail Adventures 

• Passions of Paradise 

• Sunlover Reef Cruises 

Green Travel Leaders 2025 

• Boat Club Adventure Cruises 

• Cobbold Gorge Tours 

• Cumberland Charter Yachts 

• Dolphin Swim Australia 

• Local Eyes Sydney 

• Minjerribah Camping 

• Skytrek Willow Springs Station 

• South West Eco Discoveries 

• Sugarbag Safaris 

• Surf N’ Dirt Adventure Tours Margaret River 

• Rottnest Island Authority  

• Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk 

• Walk into Luxury  

Media contact:
Ecotourism Australia – Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager e: myv@ecotourism.org.au 
ph: (07) 3256 6777

About Ecotourism Australia 

Ecotourism Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports Australia’s visitor economy through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. Our key legacy program – ECO Certification – was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program and the Sustainable Tourism Certification, launched in 2022 supports non-nature based businesses achieve global best-practice. Today there are some 2000 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia.