W Sydney Awarded Sustainable Tourism Certification

W Sydney has been awarded Sustainable Tourism Certification by Ecotourism Australia, marking a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing commitment to a new generation of responsible luxury. The certification recognises a whole-of-hotel approach to sustainability embedded across energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction and community impact, reflecting initiatives that have been in place since the hotel’s opening and the growing expectation from today’s travellers for brands that operate responsibly within their communities.

From infrastructure through to the guest experience, sustainability at W Sydney is embedded across every layer of the hotel’s operations. The hotel features a 100,000-litre rainwater harvesting system supporting cooling and air-conditioning, complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, and in-room amenities from B-Corp certified partners. Across its culinary venues, menus champions seasonal NSW produce, Good Fish-certified seafood and ingredients sourced from regenerative farms and regional producers, while partnerships such as Veolia’s food-to-biofuel program help convert kitchen waste into renewable energy and support a circular approach to hospitality.

Community engagement is central to the hotel’s sustainability strategy. W Sydney partners with Foodbank NSW & ACT to redistribute surplus food and supports local environmental initiatives, including the Glebe Bay oyster shell recycling and restoration program. Guided by Marriott International’s Serve 360 platform and W Hotels STANCE passion point – which champions progress through community, culture and conscious impact – the team continues to reduce single-use plastics, strengthen local procurement and enhance transparency around sustainability performance.

“At W Sydney, sustainability isn’t a standalone initiative; it’s part of how modern luxury should operate,” said Titus Rosier, General Manager of W Sydney.

“Today’s traveller expects more from the brands they engage with. They want experiences that are not only design-led and culturally connected, but also responsible. Achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification reflects the work our team has done from day one to embed conscious practices across everything we do; from infrastructure and operations through to the partners we collaborate with and the communities we support.”

Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia, commended the hotel for their innovative approach to sustainability.

“Congratulations to the team at W Sydney for taking this important step on their sustainability journey. By embracing globally recognised sustainable tourism standards, the hotel demonstrates how the hospitality sector can actively support both the environment and the communities it serves. We are particularly proud to recognise W Sydney as the first W Hotels property in Australia to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification.”

Sustainable Tourism Certification is awarded against more than 200 criteria spanning environmental stewardship, socio-economic impact, cultural responsibility and sustainable management practices, reinforcing W Sydney’s commitment to responsible luxury in the heart of Darling Harbour. As the hotel continues to evolve, sustainability remains central to its vision, shaping how it operates, collaborates with its community and defines the future of luxury hospitality in Australia.

END

Media contacts:

Ecotourism Australia – Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

e: myv@ecotourism.org.au

ph: (07) 3256 6777

W Sydney – Olivia Hargreaves (BLACK Communications)

e: olivia.hargreaves@blackcommunications.com.au

ph: +61 414 226 413

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 W Hotels

Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With over 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today’s guest and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W 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 complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

The Cassowary Coast is proud to announce it has achieved ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia, becoming the seventh Queensland destination and the 14th in Australia to receive this prestigious recognition.

Located in Far North Queensland, just south of Cairns, the Cassowary Coast is rich in biodiversity. Home to two World Heritage-listed sites — the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – 60% of the region’s land and marine areas are protected areas.  This unique region is a haven for diverse ecosystems, supporting an incredible array of wildlife while offering breathtaking natural experiences.

Ecotourism Australia CEO, Ms Elissa Keenan said “We are delighted to welcome the Cassowary Coast region to our growing cohort of ECO Certified Destinations throughout Australia. This accomplishment highlights the region’s dedication to globally recognised sustainable tourism practices and strengthens its position as a leading ecotourism destination.

“The Cassowary Coast region holds immense ecological and cultural significance. By offering exceptional nature-based experiences, such as those offered by ECO Certified operators Paronella Park and Mamu Tropical Skywalk, and Sustainable Tourism Certified King Reef Resort the region is championing sustainable tourism that benefits both the community and visitors alike.”

The process of achieving ECO Destination Certification was led by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council in partnership with Cassowary Coast Tourism, with strong support from the community and key stakeholders and funding support through the Queensland Government’s Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program.

Mayor Teresa Millwood of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council reflected on this significant achievement, stating that it is a testament to the region’s dedication to conservation and responsible travel.

“It has been quite the journey to achieving ECO Destination Certification on the Cassowary Coast. It’s a well-earned certification that highlights our commitment towards protecting our natural environment while promoting sustainable tourism,” said Councillor Millwood.

“We thank the community and the Queensland Government for their support towards this achievement which recognises the region’s dedication to preserving our rainforests, beaches, and wildlife, ensuring they can be enjoyed responsibly for generations to come.”

The Queensland Government through the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (formerly the Department of Tourism and Sport) provided grant funding in 2023-2024 for regions including Cassowary Coast across the state to achieve globally recognised eco certification.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said initiatives like the Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program played a crucial role in positioning Queensland as a leader in sustainable tourism.

“The funds granted through the Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program will help the Cassowary Coast stand out as a must-visit eco destination on the global map while encouraging local councils and tourism operators to showcase their environmental efforts.

“The Cassowary Coast is now one of ten Queensland destinations to have received the ECO Destination Certification in what is a huge vote of confidence for the region. Initiatives like this align with Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future, our long-term tourism strategy for the state.

“Queenslanders have told us loud and clear that they want to embrace tourism while keeping our natural wonders healthy, and initiatives like the ECO Destination Certification strike a balance between tourism, conservation and community well-being which will preserve our breathtaking scenery for future generations.

The Cassowary Coast has a long and proud history as an ecotourism destination. Local conservationist John Busst played a pivotal role in securing protections for the Great Barrier Reef and his advocacy with others led to the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act in 1975. The anniversary of this legacy will be celebrated in Mission Beach this year as ‘GBR50’. A legacy that continues today through initiatives including TUMRA’s (Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement) with Mandubarra and Girringun actively leading reef conservation alongside the Marine Park Authority, ensuring sustainable management of sea country. Building on this strong foundation, the region remains committed to sustainable tourism, with conservation and regeneration projects supported by the local community. To further these efforts, the Cassowary Coast provides online resources to guide businesses and residents in reducing their environmental footprint.

ECO Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level 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 Cassowary Coast joins a growing network of certified destinations in Queensland – Port Douglas Daintree, Townsville, Capricorn Coast, Gladstone Region, Bundaberg and the Scenic Rim. Through Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with Green Destinations, the Cassowary Coast is also now part of a distinguished group of 160 certified destinations globally.

Elissa Keenan is in Kurrimine and Mission Beach on Thursday to award Cassowary Coast with their official certificate and present to key stakeholders.

END

Media event details:

Date: 10 April 2025

Time: 3.30 pm

Location: King Reef Resort, Kurrimine

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

To see all the latest news: News & Blog | Ecotourism Australia

Cassowary Coast Media Contact: Zoe Holmes, A/A/Principle Communication and Engagement, e: comms@ccrc.qld.gov.au , ph:  0417 721 754