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YHA Australia First to Certify 100% of Accommodation Network with Ecotourism Australia

YHA Australia First to Certify 100% of Accommodation Network with Ecotourism Australia

by | Mar 30, 2026 | General, Media Release

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.

END

 

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.

–

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

RACV resorts achieve Australian-first Advanced Sustainable Tourism rating

by | Mar 23, 2026 | General, Media Release

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.

 

END

 

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.

–

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.

W Sydney becomes first in portfolio to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification

W Sydney becomes first in portfolio to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification

by | Mar 12, 2026 | Media Release

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.

Destination Store

Destination Store

by | Feb 11, 2026 | Case Study, General

Destination Specialist Agency
Surry Hills, New South Wales

Transforming places, destinations and experiences so they thrive. The destination specialist agency setting a new standard for destination branding, marketing and management.

Destination Store (DS) is a destination specialist agency that develops new solutions for leading destinations. With extensive experience delivering projects relating to the sustainable growth of the visitor economy, DS brings an integrated and wholistic approach to destination management and marketing.

Sustainability is central to Destination Store’s operations. Through their work with destinations, they develop brands and strategies that deliver positive environmental outcomes for communities, while embedding responsible practices across their own business – from supporting environmental and cultural not-for-profits to reducing emissions and continually evolving how they operate for the long term.

Destination Store completed their first Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard in 2023, achieving a score of 50%. As a marketing business, Destination Store does not meet the same criteria as an operator running a tourism business and therefore cannot undertake a full Ecotourism Australia Certification program. However, as a business operating within the visitor economy, they continue to use the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard as a robust benchmarking tool – assessing performance across the four pillars of sustainability and guiding continuous improvement in their sustainable business practices.

Since their initial assessment, Destination Store has demonstrated exceptional year-on-year progress, increasing their score to 76% in 2024/25 and achieving an impressive 93% in 2026/27 – reflecting a sustained and strategic commitment to embedding sustainability across their operations.

Destination Stores continued undertaking of the Scorecard is more about the journey than the final number.

“Completing the Scorecard year-on-year allows us to meaningfully track our progress, build team pride, and stay accountable to our values. It also provides a consistent, independent way to demonstrate our long-term commitment to continuous improvement, not just one-off action,” Oliver Batten, Destination Strategy & Impact Lead at Destination Store said.

The Scorecard empowers DS to assess how their operations align with globally recognised sustainable tourism criteria, with personalised feedback and insights to assist them in strengthening their practices.

“The biggest benefit is the clarity [the Scorecard] provides. The structured assessment framework and detailed report help us clearly identify priority actions and areas for improvement, which directly inform our annual DS Impact Plan. It ensures our sustainability efforts are practical, measurable and embedded into how we operate as a business,”

“The report reinforced where we are performing strongly, particularly across cultural respect, socio-economic contribution and sustainable management. It also highlighted specific, actionable gaps, such as the need to consolidate governance documentation and more robustly measure our emissions. Having this level of honest, constructive feedback makes it easier to turn intention into action,” Oliver said.

Destination Store’s sustained three-year commitment to improvement through the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard sets a compelling example for tourism-aligned businesses and businesses in the broader visitor economy aiming to embed meaningful sustainability outcomes across the communities they serve and the broader tourism supply chain.

“Honestly, I am super proud that we have managed to improve across all four key assessment areas. Jumping from 75% to 95% in socio-economic impacts, and from 75% to 100% in cultural impacts, is incredibly rewarding for the team. It’s reassuring to know our work is contributing positively to the communities and places we partner with.” said Oliver.

It’s incredible to see the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard being used exactly as intended – celebrating progress, identifying next steps and shaping future impact.

Discover more about Destination Store here.

Destination Store completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on the 28th of January 2026. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.

Cassowary Coast Joins Global Network of ECO Certified Destinations

Cassowary Coast Joins Global Network of ECO Certified Destinations

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Media Release

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

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