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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

YHA Australia have achieved a significant sustainability milestone, becoming the first accommodation network globally to certify their entire portfolio with Ecotourism Australia with 18 properties receiving ECO or Sustainable Tourism Certification.

The landmark achievement, achieved in January this year, represents a committed and collaborative effort across the network to meet rigorous global standards across sustainable management, environmental stewardship, socio-economic impact and cultural engagement.

Founded on a desire to support the exploration of our planet with minimal ecological impact, YHA Australia offer curious travellers low cost, quality short-stay accommodation spanning from thriving city destinations to off-the-beaten-path locations.

Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan congratulated YHA Australia for setting the benchmark as the first accommodation network to certify their entire network with Ecotourism Australia.

“YHA Australia’s certification journey demonstrates the power of embedding sustainability across their entire portfolio of 18 properties. By committing to Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised certification programs, YHA is aligning its operations with global best practice and showing true leadership in sustainable tourism.

“For travellers, trusted certification gives confidence that their choices make a real difference, and when a well-recognised network like YHA adopts rigorous, independently assessed standards, it sends a clear message that sustainable tourism can be both meaningful and accessible, while supporting nature and local communities.

“We thank the YHA team for trusting Ecotourism Australia as their partner in this journey, and we look forward to continuing to work together as YHA champions sustainable tourism across Australia.”

YHA Australia’s achievement reflects a whole-of-portfolio approach to sustainability, supported by its Sustainable Properties Fund, which invests in initiatives to reduce energy use, carbon emissions, waste and water consumption across its network. Projects include renewable energy installations, solar hot water systems, smart building technology, and water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. Waste reduction is embedded across the portfolio through comprehensive recycling, composting of organic waste, and the elimination of plastic bottled water in favour of refill stations and reusable alternatives. Community initiatives, including guest swap shelves and food sharing programs, sit alongside a genuine commitment to First Nations engagement connecting guests with Indigenous-led experiences, cultural programming, and community partnerships that deepen what sustainable travel means.

YHA Australia CEO, Paul McGrath said that YHA Australia’s 87 years of community-focused, affordable accommodation prove that sustainable travel and accessible properties aren’t mutually exclusive.

“We are exceptionally proud that all 18 of our properties have now achieved certification with Ecotourism Australia, making us the first accommodation network in the country to achieve 100% Certification across our entire portfolio.

“Increasingly, travellers want to know not just where they go but how the places they stay align with their values, and Ecotourism Australia’s certification offers those travellers a clear and trustworthy answer. Ecotourism Australia’s certification provides us with a globally recognised benchmark to apply consistently across our network, which is a clear competitive advantage for YHA.”

The certified properties are:

ECO Certification

• YHA Apollo Bay Eco (VIC)
• YHA Grampians Eco (VIC)

Sustainable Tourism Certification

• YHA Adelaide Central (SA)
• YHA Blue Mountains (NSW)
• YHA Brisbane City (QLD)
• YHA Byron Bay (NSW)
• YHA Cairns Central (QLD)
• YHA Cape Byron (NSW)
• YHA Coolangatta (QLD)
• YHA Fremantle Prison (WA)
• YHA Hobart Central (TAS)
• YHA Melbourne Central (VIC)
• YHA Newcastle Beach (NSW)
• YHA Pittwater Eco (NSW)
• YHA Port Elliot (SA)
• YHA Sydney Central (NSW)
• YHA Sydney Harbour (NSW)
• YHA Thredbo (NSW)

YHA Australia CEO Paul McGrath will present at Ecotourism Australia’s flagship Global Sustainable Tourism Summit on the Gold Coast in June, exploring YHA’s approach to how purpose and profit intersect –  where bold sustainability missions drive success and profits fuel further impact.

Achieving global best-practice Sustainable Tourism Certification and 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.

Accommodation providers who have obtained ECO or Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia benefit from formal global recognition across leading international booking channels, ensuring their independently verified sustainability performance is acknowledged and trusted by global distribution partners and travellers worldwide.

Background

• YHA Australia partnered with Ecotourism Australia in 2024 to work towards certifying their entire network of 18 properties across Australia.
• The partnership builds on the existing long-standing certification of YHA Apollo Bay Eco and YHA Grampians Eco, who achieved ECO Certification in 2007.
• Over the past two years, 16 YHA properties have achieved Sustainable Tourism Certification, with the network (18) achieving full certification on 16 January 2026.
• YHA will announce this achievement with a media roundtable at YHA Sydney Harbour on Monday 30 March, to coincide with additional YHA achievements in recent months.

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Media contacts:

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

YHA Australia – Alice Rose, PEPR Agency
e: alice@pepr.com.au
ph: 0467 577 555

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.

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About YHA Australia

YHA Australia is a for-purpose, membership-based organisation that has been providing travellers with quality, affordable accommodation for over 85 years.

Operating a network of 18 properties nationwide, YHA Australia offers diverse accommodation options from private rooms to co-living spaces, featuring modern amenities including pools, communal kitchens, wellness spaces, cafes and rooftop bars.

As part of Hostelling International (HI), YHA Australia connects to a global network of over 3,000 unique properties across more than 70 countries, enabling seamless travel experiences worldwide.

YHA Australia is committed to evolving alongside modern traveller expectations while staying true to its core mission of creating communities, caring for the environment, and connecting people with authentic local experiences. Recent investments include substantial property renovations across key city locations in 2023 and 2024, the launch of the YHA Explorer app in late 2024, and the introduction of digital wallet keys in 2025.

Through continuous reinvestment and strategic development, YHA Australia is evolving beyond traditional accommodation to offer a comprehensive travel experience for budget-conscious travellers. By integrating cutting edge technology with community-focused spaces, food and beverage offerings, and authentic local experiences, YHA Australia maintains its position as the country’s leading low-cost accommodation provider.

For more information on YHA Australia, please visit yha.com.au.

RACV Resorts achieve Australian-first Advanced Sustainable Tourism rating

Ecotourism Australia proudly recognises RACV’s portfolio of Club and Resorts for achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification across all ten properties, with two hotels becoming the first in Australia to attain Advanced Sustainable Tourism Certification.

This achievement reflects a consistent, enterprise-wide commitment to sustainable tourism and is particularly significant for RACV Noosa Resort on the Sunshine Coast and RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, which have achieved the highest tier of Advanced Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer, Elissa Keenan, praised RACV for its proactive and strategic approach.

“RACV’s accomplishment sends a powerful message to the broader tourism industry that sustainability at scale is achievable and delivers real value for people, place, planet and purpose.

“By attaining Advanced Sustainable Tourism Certification across two flagship resorts and certifying their entire portfolio, RACV is demonstrating that large operators can be trailblazers, not just in adopting innovative practices, but in embedding them in a way that inspires others to follow,” Ms Keenan said.

Craig Peachey, Executive General Manager, Leisure at RACV, said the milestone is a testament to the dedication of teams across the organisation.

“Achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification across our entire leisure portfolio is a proud moment, but more than anything it’s a reflection of the people behind it, our resort teams who show up every day with a genuine commitment to doing things better. Our goal has always been to make sustainability a real and meaningful part of how we operate.

This certification is an independent check that what we’re doing stands up to scrutiny and recognises the choices that add up to real change – running on renewable electricity where possible, harvesting rainwater for irrigation and a multi-year de-gasification program. To see that effort acknowledged across our entire portfolio is incredibly rewarding, and to have RACV Noosa Resort and RACV Royal Pines Resort become the first properties in Australia to achieve Advanced Sustainable Tourism Certification is something the whole team should be enormously proud of.”

By achieving global best practice Sustainable Tourism Certification at all ten of their Club and Resorts, RACV reinforces that sustainability is not an isolated initiative but a core pillar of its business strategy. Every RACV property across Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland now meets Ecotourism Australia’s rigorous Sustainable Tourism Certification standards, ensuring consistency in environmental management, community engagement and responsible operations across the portfolio.

The newly certified properties are:

• RACV Noosa Resort (Advanced Sustainable Tourism Certification) (QLD)
• RACV Royal Pines Resort (Advanced Sustainable Tourism Certification) (QLD)
• RACV Cape Schanck Resort (VIC)
• RACV City Club (VIC)
• RACV Cobram Resort (VIC)
• RACV Goldfields Resort (VIC)
• RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort (VIC)
• RACV Inverloch Resort (VIC)
• RACV Torquay Resort (VIC)
• RACV Hobart Hotel (TAS)

RACV Noosa Resort and RACV Royal Pines Resort have implemented a particularly comprehensive suite of sustainability initiatives, resulting in both resorts being awarded Advanced Sustainable Tourism Certification.

RACV Noosa Resort purchases a Climate Active-certified carbon-neutral ‘Green LPG’ product through a third party energy supplier. This product offsets the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the supply and consumption of LPG. Staff also contribute to local reforestation through Tourism Noosa’s Tread Lightly program.

RACV Royal Pines Resort engages in environmental stewardship via Clean Up Australia Day and supports local conservation initiatives including the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Containers for Change scheme.

All RACV properties offer guests the option to opt out of their daily housekeeping service and instead support local community partners through their Go Green and Give program.

Collectively, these efforts demonstrate leadership in sustainable management, social responsibility, cultural engagement and environmental stewardship.

Achieving global best-practice Sustainable Tourism 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.

Accommodation providers who have obtained Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia benefit from formal global recognition across leading international booking channels, ensuring their independently verified sustainability performance is acknowledged and trusted by global distribution partners and travellers worldwide.

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Media contacts:

Ecotourism Australia – Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

e: myv@ecotourism.org.au

ph: (07) 3256 6777

RACV – Media Team

e: media@racv.com.au

ph: 0417 041 398

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.

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About RACV

RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) is one of Australia’s most trusted member organisations, serving members and customers across motoring and mobility, home, energy and leisure since 1903. RACV is Victoria’s largest member organisation and operates with a core purpose of improving lives. RACV’s leisure portfolio includes resorts located at Cape Schanck, Cobram, Creswick, Healesville, Inverloch, Torquay, Noosa, the Gold Coast and Hobart, as well as RACV Club in Melbourne’s CBD. Committed to responsible business practices, RACV is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for its members while contributing positively to the communities and environments in which it operates.