a
Subscribe
M
Subscribe
Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre achieves ECO Certification

Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre achieves ECO Certification

by | Jul 10, 2026 | Media Release

As Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week, Gold Coast First Nations tourism business Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre has achieved Ecotourism Australia’s prestigious ECO Certification, recognising its commitment to delivering authentic Aboriginal cultural experiences while protecting Country, supporting community and demonstrating global best practice in sustainable tourism.

The announcement comes during this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations and highlights the growing role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism businesses play in delivering experiences that protect culture, strengthen communities and inspire visitors through meaningful connection to Country.

Located at the base of Burleigh Head National Park, on Kombumerri Country in the Yugambeh Language Speaking Region, Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is the Gold Coast’s only dedicated Aboriginal cultural centre and is proudly owned and operated by the local Aboriginal community through Kalwun Development Corporation.

Visitors can experience guided cultural walks through Burleigh Head National Park, cultural cruises, educational programs, Welcome to Country ceremonies and immersive experiences that share the stories, traditions and living culture of the Yugambeh language-speaking peoples.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Ms Elissa Keenan said the certification was particularly significant during NAIDOC Week.

“NAIDOC Week reminds us that culture is not simply something to be celebrated – it is something to be respected, protected and shared for future generations.

“First Nations peoples have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years. Their knowledge, connection and custodianship are fundamental to what sustainability truly means.

“First Nations tourism is one of Australia’s greatest competitive strengths. It offers visitors experiences that are authentic, deeply connected to place and found nowhere else in the world.

“When Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lead the sharing of their own stories, tourism becomes far more than a visitor experience – it becomes a powerful way to strengthen culture, create economic opportunities for communities and build greater understanding between Australians and international visitors.

“We are delighted to award Jellurgal their ECO Certification during NAIDOC Week and recognise their leadership in delivering authentic cultural experiences that benefit both visitors and community.

Tourism experiences led by First Nations communities not only safeguard cultural knowledge but also create employment, strengthen community pride and encourage visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for Country and its custodians.

“Achieving ECO Certification is a proud milestone for our team because it recognises not only our commitment to sustainability, but also the value of sharing the stories, culture and traditions of First Nations peoples in ways that deepen understanding and respect,” shared Kieran Chilcott, CEO Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd and Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

“Every experience we deliver is grounded in Country, culture and community, inviting visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the world’s oldest continuing living culture and a genuine connection to this place.

“Achieving ECO Certification reflects the care we take to protect our culture, our environment and our community while delivering authentic experiences that create lasting memories for our visitors. We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition during NAIDOC Week.”

Announced during NAIDOC Week 2026, Jellugal’s ECO Certification achievement aligns with this year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly,” which celebrates five decades of recognising the strength, resilience, leadership and cultural richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also highlights the important role First Nations-led tourism plays in sharing living culture, creating economic opportunities for communities and fostering deeper understanding of Australia’s First Peoples.

At Ecotourism Australia, culture sits alongside environmental, social and economic sustainability as a core pillar of our certification programs. We believe tourism should help protect living cultures, strengthen communities and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, while ensuring visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Australia’s First Nations heritage.

Achieving global best-practice ECO Certification is a meticulous process, involving more than 200 key criteria across four pillars of sustainability. Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs involve an initial third-party audit to award certification followed by periodic independent audits to maintain certification and demonstrate ongoing commitment to responsible practices.

 

END

 

Media contacts:

Ecotourism Australia – Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

e: myv@ecotourism.org.au

ph: (07) 3256 6777

Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd – Michelle Reid, Executive Lead – Corporate Affairs and Strategic Projects

e: michelle.reid@kalwun.com.au

ph: 0429 639 314

 

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 2500 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia. Ecotourism Australia is also a founding member of the Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA), a global association for sustainable tourism established in January 2025. TSCA members are responsible for certifying more than 19,000 travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations across the globe – representing the largest cohort of certified operators worldwide.

Six Operators Inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame as Organisation Marks 35 Years of Leadership

Six Operators Inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame as Organisation Marks 35 Years of Leadership

by | Jun 24, 2026 | General

Ecotourism Australia has announced six new inductees into its prestigious Hall of Fame, each recognised for achieving 20 years of continuous ECO Certification – Townsville City Council Eco Catchment Tours, Heron Island Resort, APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, Odyssey Expeditions, Cape York Motorcycle Adventures, and Explore Group Australia. The inductees join 70 other tourism businesses across Australia, all of whom have demonstrated long-term, genuine commitment to sustainability.

Eight operators have also been named as Green Travel Leaders this year, marking a decade of ECO Certification and cementing their place among Australia’s most consistent contributors to responsible tourism.

The announcements come at a significant moment for Ecotourism Australia, as the organisation celebrates 30 years of ECO Certification and 35 years of leadership in sustainable tourism in Australia.

Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan said recognising these operators alongside the organisation’s own milestone year made the occasion all the more special.

“As we celebrate 30 years since we developed the world’s first national ECO certification program, we feel even more honoured to recognise the operators who have been championing sustainability with us in lockstep since our early days,” Ms. Keenan said.

“Hall of Fame induction is the highest honour awarded to our certified operators. These six businesses have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to global best practice sustainability standards across two decades, and their ongoing innovation and leadership continues to set the benchmark for what world-class ecotourism looks like in Australia,” said Keenan.

Mladen Vukic, Chief Product Officer of APT Travel Group, said that for APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, operating in one of Australia’s most culturally and environmentally significant regions makes the Hall of Fame recognition particularly meaningful.

“Being certified by Ecotourism Australia provides a strong mark of credibility, giving guests confidence that their journey is genuinely sustainable and independently verified. For APT Travel Group’s Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, it creates a clear point of difference in a competitive market, helping attract environmentally conscious travellers and build trust with trade and industry partners,” Mr Vukic said.

For Cape York Motorcycle Adventures, the recognition carries significant weight. As the world’s first motorcycle tour company to achieve ECO Certification back in 2006, Director Renae Kunda said reaching the Hall of Fame milestone was a proud moment for the whole team.

“Reaching 20 years of certification reflects two decades of consistently backing up our values with action, caring for Country, operating responsibly, and proving that adventure tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand. For us, Hall of Fame recognition means our long-term commitment has stood the test of time,” Ms. Kunda said.

Ecotourism Australia’s Green Travel Leaders have demonstrated a decade of passion and consistency in delivering tourism experiences that are environmentally responsible, culturally respectful and community minded, Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, Down Under Cruise & Dive and The Adventure Company, Whitsunday Jetski Tours, Sunrover Tours, Pacific Whale Foundation Australia, Mungalla Station, Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and Brisbane Whale Watching recognised this year.

 “Our Green Travel Leaders have demonstrated exactly what sustained commitment to responsible tourism looks like, and their contribution to raising the standard of sustainable tourism in Australia should not go unrecognised,” said Ms. Keenan.

Our team were honoured to present Hall of Fame plaques in person to Heron Island Resort and APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures at the recent Global Sustainable Tourism Summit on the Gold Coast in early June. The Summit also marked the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Peter Gash OAM and former Ecotourism Australia Chair Dr Claire Ellis, honoured for their extraordinary contribution to ecotourism in Australia.

All certified operators are featured on the Green Travel Guide, where travellers can find and book from more than 2,700 certified sustainable experiences across Australia.

Hall of Fame 2026

  • Townsville City Council – Eco Catchment Tours
  • Heron Island Resort
  • APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures
  • Odyssey Expeditions
  • Cape York Motorcycle Adventures
  • Explore Group Australia (formerly Explore Hamilton Island)

Green Travel Leaders 2026

  • Whitsunday Jetski Tours
  • Sunrover Tours
  • Pacific Whale Foundation Australia
  • Mungalla Station
  • Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours
  • Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari
  • Down Under Cruise & Dive and The Adventure Company
  • Brisbane Whale Watching


END


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 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 2700 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia.

Ecotourism Australia is also a founding member of the Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA), a global association for sustainable tourism established in January 2025. TSCA members are responsible for certifying more than 19,000 travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations across the globe – representing the largest cohort of certified operators worldwide.

Ecotourism Australia Honours Two Industry Leaders with Lifetime Achievement Awards

Ecotourism Australia Honours Two Industry Leaders with Lifetime Achievement Awards

by | Jun 12, 2026 | Media Release

Ecotourism Australia has honoured two of the nation’s most influential tourism leaders, Peter Gash OAM and Dr Claire Ellis, with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the growth and advancement of ecotourism in Australia.

Presented at the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit on the Gold Coast, the awards recognise distinguished service and exceptional leadership in championing sustainability, advancing the mission and values of Ecotourism Australia, and promoting Australia as a world-leading destination for responsible and nature-based tourism.

Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan said both recipients had made a profound and lasting contribution to the Australian tourism industry and had helped shape the evolution of sustainable tourism over many decades.

“These awards recognise individuals whose influence extends well beyond their own organisations and achievements,” Ms Keenan said.

“Peter and Claire have each played a significant role in advancing ecotourism in Australia, helping demonstrate that tourism can be a force for environmental stewardship, community benefit and positive change.”

“Both have dedicated their careers to protecting and showcasing Australia’s natural and cultural assets while helping build the credibility and professionalism of our sector. Their contributions have helped position Australia as a global leader in responsible and sustainable tourism.”

–

Peter Gash OAM

A pioneering ecotourism operator and conservation advocate, Peter Gash has spent more than four decades transforming Lady Elliot Island into one of Australia’s most celebrated ecotourism destinations.

Under his leadership, Lady Elliot Island has become internationally recognised for environmental restoration, renewable energy innovation, reef conservation and sustainable visitor experiences. His work has demonstrated how tourism can actively contribute to the protection and regeneration of natural environments while creating meaningful visitor connections with nature.

“Peter’s vision and commitment have inspired operators across Australia and around the world,” Ms Keenan said.

“He has shown that environmental conservation and tourism success can go hand in hand and has become one of Australia’s most respected ambassadors for sustainable tourism and reef stewardship.”

 –

Dr Claire Ellis

Former Ecotourism Australia Chair Dr Claire Ellis was recognised for her outstanding leadership and service to the organisation and the broader tourism sector.

Over more than a decade on the Ecotourism Australia Board, including six years as Chair, Dr Ellis helped guide the organisation through a period of significant growth and increasing global recognition for its certification programs and sustainability leadership.

A highly respected tourism strategist and consultant, Dr Ellis has made a substantial contribution to destination development, sustainable tourism planning and industry advancement across Australia.

“Claire’s leadership has had a lasting impact on both Ecotourism Australia and the wider tourism industry,” Ms Keenan said.

“Her strategic vision, commitment to good governance and passion for sustainable tourism helped strengthen the organisation and position it for the future. She has been a tireless advocate for tourism that protects place, supports communities and delivers long-term value.”

–

Ms Keenan said the awards reflected not only the achievements of two remarkable individuals, but also the importance of recognising those who have helped shape the future of Australian tourism.

“At a time when sustainability has never been more important, it is fitting that we acknowledge those whose leadership, courage and commitment have helped pave the way for future generations.”

“Peter Gash and Claire Ellis have each left an extraordinary legacy, and we are proud to recognise their contribution through these Lifetime Achievement Awards.”
 

L-R: Peter Gash OAM and Dr Claire Ellis

 

 

END

 

Media contacts:

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 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 2500 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia. Ecotourism Australia is also a founding member of the Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA), a global association for sustainable tourism established in January 2025. TSCA members are responsible for certifying more than 19,000 travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations across the globe – representing the largest cohort of certified operators worldwide.

Early Program Unveiled for Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026

Early Program Unveiled for Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026

by | Apr 9, 2026 | General, Media Release

Early Program Unveiled for Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026

 

The early program for the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026 has been unveiled, with Ecotourism Australia promising the most impactful event to date for the tourism industry. Taking place from 2–5 June on the Gold Coast, the Summit will bring together global leaders, innovators and changemakers to explore how tourism can deliver meaningful outcomes across the four core themes of people, place, planet and purpose.

Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan said the 2026 Summit comes at a critical time for the global tourism industry.

“Tourism has a powerful role to play in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future, but real progress requires collaboration, innovation and practical action. This year’s Summit is designed to equip industry leaders with the tools, insights and partnerships needed to turn ambition into impact,” Ms Keenan said.

The 2026 program has been designed to offer practical insights, global case studies and forward-thinking strategies that delegates can apply directly within their own businesses and destinations. Taking a holistic look at sustainability, the program will examine how the industry can address the green skills gap by embedding sustainability across organisations and grow First Nations tourism through meaningful partnerships. It will also explore how destinations can prepare for major events such as Brisbane 2032 by developing accessible and future-ready visitor experiences.

International perspectives will feature strongly throughout the program, with insights into how Slovenia has become one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations, lessons from Borneo on using ecotourism to protect wildlife, and perspectives on showcasing cultural heritage with authenticity and respect from the United Arab Emirates.

Environmental priorities will remain central, with a focus on tourism’s role in supporting global conservation targets, including protecting 30 per cent of land and marine areas by 2030. Delegates will also explore how to build climate-resilient visitor economies and examine best practice examples of ecotourism in action.

Complementing this, the program will address the growing importance of measuring tourism’s true environmental and social impact, preparing for increasing sustainability regulation and scrutiny, and understanding how global initiatives such as Travalyst are reshaping data transparency. The commercial dimension will also be explored, with a focus on how organisations can turn purpose into profit—and profit into purpose.

The Summit will feature an exceptional lineup of speakers, including leading sustainable tourism operators such as Lady Elliot Island, Untamed Escapes and Kestrel Hut Eco Hut, alongside representatives from Tourism Australia, Green Destinations, Paralympics Australia, Accor, YHA, RACV and EVT.

Registration for the Summit includes a Welcome Function on the evening of Tuesday 2 June, a full conference day on Wednesday 3 June followed by an evening networking event, and a second full conference day on Thursday 4 June.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Summit continues to serve as a leading platform for collaboration and innovation, supporting the transition to a tourism industry that delivers long-term value for communities, environments and economies worldwide.

 

END

 

Media contacts:

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, dedicated to promoting and supporting Australia’s visitor economy by building capacity and advancing sustainable tourism operations and systems. This is the second conference following the inaugural Global Sustainable Tourism Summit in 2024 and builds on Ecotourism Australia’s legacy of delivering the Global ECO Conference, one of the world’s longest-running ecotourism conferences.

Our legacy program, ECO Certification, was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program, while Sustainable Tourism Certification, launched in 2022, supports non-nature-based businesses in achieving global best practice. Today, more than 2,500 accommodation providers, tours and attractions are certified by Ecotourism Australia.

Ecotourism Australia is also a founding member of the Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA), a global association for sustainable tourism established in January 2025. TSCA members collectively certify more than 19,000 travel and tourism enterprises, organisations and destinations worldwide, representing the largest cohort of certified operators globally.

Victoria’s Surf Coast Achieves ECO Destination Certification

Victoria’s Surf Coast Achieves ECO Destination Certification

by | Apr 7, 2026 | General, Media Release

Victoria’s Surf Coast Achieves ECO Destination Certification

 

Ecotourism Australia is proud to announce that the Surf Coast Shire has officially earned ECO Destination Certification, formally recognising the region’s adherence to global best practice sustainable tourism and environmental management standards.

Located south west of Melbourne, the Surf Coast marks the official start of the iconic Great Ocean Road. Comprising eleven distinct townships, the region is one of Victoria’s fastest-growing municipalities and a premier destination for domestic and international travellers.

“We are delighted to welcome the Surf Coast region to our growing cohort of ECO Certified Destinations throughout Australia. This certification recognises the dedication of the Surf Coast Shire team, businesses and residents in making the Surf Coast a model for responsible tourism in Australia,” said Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia.

“With exceptional nature-based experiences offered by ECO Certified operators such as Torquay Surf Academy, Southern Exposure Eco Adventure Sports and Go Ride A Wave, and sustainable accommodation offerings from Desa Retreats, RACV Torquay Resort, Great Ocean Road Resort and Mantra Lorne, visitors can explore the Surf Coast knowing they are supporting a region that values its environment as much as its vibrant lifestyle.”

This milestone establishes the Surf Coast Shire as the second destination in Victoria to attain ECO Destination Certification, following East Gippsland’s certification in April 2023, and the 15th destination in Australia.

“We’re absolutely rapt for the Surf Coast Shire to receive ECO Destination Certification, as it strengthens our status as a place where visitors can soak up nature-focused experiences,” said Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Libby Stapleton.

“Our world-class environment is a huge drawcard for the 2.6 million visitors to the Surf Coast each year – from internationals exploring the Great Ocean Road, to people from across Australia taking in our charming hinterland.”

Surf Coast Shire Council thanked various partners – Barwon Water, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and Parks Victoria –  for the comprehensive range of sustainability initiatives as part of its ECO Destination Certification. The region carefully monitors visitor numbers and behaviour to manage impacts on natural and cultural sites, while strict guidelines and licensing protect wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. Water conservation measures, low-impact transport options and climate adaptation strategies ensure tourism infrastructure and practices remain resilient and environmentally responsible. At the same time, the Shire supports authentic cultural engagement, ensuring local communities benefit economically while preserving their traditions.

“One of our priorities is to foster slow and regenerative tourism that is respectful of the local environment, values local communities and maximises local yield and revenue. This certification will help us to achieve that,” said Cr Stapleton.

“We also want tourism to deliver consistent economic and social benefits year-round. What better way to help achieve this than to welcome visitors who love the outdoors and care about the environment.”

ECO Destination Certification assesses a region on more than 90 criteria across eight sections including Destination Management, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, and Social Wellbeing. By achieving ECO Destination Certification, the Surf Coast Shire joins a growing network of certified destinations across Australia. Through Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with Green Destinations, Surf Coast Shire is also now part of a distinguished group of over 200 certified destinations globally.

 

Learn more about the Surf Coast by visiting them on the Green Travel Guide here.

L-R – Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton, Council CEO Robyn Seymour, Barwon Water Head of Sustainability and Healthy Country Nicole Sexton, Parks Victoria District Manager West Coast Dale Antonysen and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority Board Chair Libby Mears celebrate the accreditation at Spring Creek, Torquay.

 

 

END

 

Media contacts:

Ecotourism Australia – Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

e: myv@ecotourism.org.au

ph: (07) 3256 6777

Surf Coast Shire – Kate Fowles, Communications Advisor 

e: kfowles@surfcoast.vic.gov.au 

ph: 0428 436 489 

 

 

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 2500 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia. Ecotourism Australia is also a founding member of the Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA), a global association for sustainable tourism established in January 2025. TSCA members are responsible for certifying more than 19,000 travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations across the globe – representing the largest cohort of certified operators worldwide.

–

About Surf Coast Shire

The Wadawurrung People, and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar nation are acknowledged as the Traditional Owners of the lands now called Surf Coast Shire.  
Stretching along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road, the Surf Coast Shire is a region of striking natural beauty and relaxed coastal living, where rugged cliffs, renowned surf breaks and forested hinterlands invite visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature. Home to vibrant towns including Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Winchelsea, the region blends surf culture, creativity and local produce with a strong sense of community. The Surf Coast is deeply committed to sustainable tourism, with local businesses, residents and partners working together to protect its unique environmental and cultural values for generations to come.

Read