by Ecotourism Australia | Sep 9, 2024 | Media Release
Ecotourism Australia has been formally recognised by Travalyst, a global initiative dedicated to providing sustainability information that helps travellers make more informed and responsible choices.
Following independent review, both Ecotourism Australia’s ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certifications will be included in Travalyst’s list of compliant sustainability certifications for accommodation providers.
This initiative supports credible certifications through the evolving legislative landscape whilst providing consistency across travel booking platforms.
Joining 49 other organisations worldwide, this recognition underscores Ecotourism Australia’s global standing as a recognised and credible sustainable tourism certification body.
“Being formally recognised by Travalyst for our ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certification standards is a testament to the dedication we have put into developing our global best-practice standards, including developing the world’s first national ecotourism certification, and our tourism operators who have undertaken our certification program.
“We focus on driving continuous improvement and ensuring our ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certifications continue to be recognised globally. We are pleased to be part of this global movement making sustainability information more accessible to the tourism industry,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan.
Travalyst partners with leading brands like Booking.com, Amadeus, Expedia Group, Google, Mastercard, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group and Visa to integrate sustainability information into mainstream platforms, empowering travellers to make informed decisions.
“This association enhances global visibility for our Certified operators, helping them build trust with eco-conscious consumers and connecting them with a growing audience of responsible travellers,” added Ms Keenan.
This collaborative approach is key to mainstreaming sustainable travel solutions across the tourism industry and addressing the growing demand for sustainable travel. According to Booking.com 76% of travellers want to travel more sustainably over the coming year, however almost half of these travellers (44%), say they do not know how to find or book a sustainable tourism experience. Expedia Group report notes 7 out of 10 feel overwhelmed by where to start.
Travalyst is a not-for-profit coalition, founded in 2019 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, of some of the biggest brands in travel and technology including Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, Mastercard, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group and Visa. The coalition works pre-competitively to bring sustainability information to the mainstream to help people make more informed travel choices.
Ecotourism Australia has more than 200 Certified accommodation providers holding ECO or Sustainable Tourism Certification and a further 200 accommodation providers currently undergoing certification. You can discover all our Certified accommodations and experiences in the Green Travel Guide.
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IMAGES: Click HERE to download a selection of hotel images.
Media contacts:
Ecotourism Australia – Jillian Santry, Communications and Events Officer
e: communications@ecotourism.org.au ph: 07 3256 6777
by Ecotourism Australia | Sep 3, 2024 | Media Release
Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, has reached a major milestone on its sustainability journey with the Sustainable Tourism Certification of its 100th hotel in Australia by Ecotourism Australia.
This milestone brings Accor closer to its goal of having 100% of its network across the Pacific region achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification by the end of 2025.
The 100 hotels, resorts and apartments from all states and territories across Australia have each demonstrated their strong commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles, implementing global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to achieve certification.
“Just over a year after announcing our partnership with Ecotourism Australia, we have proudly reached the significant milestone of 100 Sustainable Tourism Certified hotels across the country, with Novotel Sydney City Centre being the landmark 100th certification,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams. “This achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
“Sustainable Tourism Certification not only enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of our hotels but also boosts operational excellence and revenue generation. This achievement aligns perfectly with the expectations of today’s travellers and our corporate clients, who increasingly seek responsible options and prefer hotels with third-party sustainable certifications.
“We will continue to strive for excellence in sustainability and set new benchmarks for the industry.”
Of the 100 certified hotels, 30% are strategically located in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne, making them particularly well-suited to meet the sustainability and business needs of Accor’s corporate clientele.
Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer Ms Elissa Keenan said the commitment by Accor was significant.
“Ecotourism Australia is proud to partner with Accor Pacific in support of its ambition to certify all Australian properties with our world-class Sustainable Tourism Certification.
“Achieving Certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key indicators across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices. It can take up to twelve months and includes an independent third-party audit before Certification is awarded. Hotels must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain Certification.
“Accor continues to demonstrate their industry leadership through commitment to authentic sustainability, drawing on Ecotourism Australia’s 30 years’ experience upholding globally recognised sustainable tourism standards.
“We are pleased to see Accor Pacific are making significant commitment to, and progress on achieving their goal to certify every hotel in the world and reaching this incredible milestone in our region.
“It has been remarkable witnessing each of the hundred properties take up the challenge and demonstrate spirited enthusiasm toward their certification, implementing a range of creative and impactful solutions to sustainability challenges.
“Ecotourism Australia looks forward to continuing to support Accor and its properties on their sustainability journey.”
From luxury to economy, Accor operates 19 international brands across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/. Visit ALL.com
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IMAGES: Click HERE to download a selection of hotel images.
Media contacts:
Ecotourism Australia – Jillian Santry, Communications and Events Officer
e: communications@ecotourism.org.au ph: 07 3256 6777
Accor – Naomi Hammond, Director of PR & Communications – Pacific
e: naomi.hammond@accor.com ph: 0434 738 380
Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, over 5,700 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
by Ecotourism Australia | Aug 28, 2024 | Case Study
Blending historical glory with modern sustainability – Paronella Park in Queensland, Australia is a demonstration of passionate and visionary sustainable stewardship.
Founded by José Paronella in the 1930s, this unique destination has evolved into a shining example of eco-friendly tourism, nestled within 14 acres of lush tropical rainforest in Queensland.
José Paronella’s ambitious dream transformed the rainforest into a mesmerising garden with castles, tunnels, fountains, and bridges, all powered by its own hydroelectric system. Since its opening in 1935, the park has showcased both its natural beauty and the vision of sustainable practices. Today, Mark and Judy Evans who took over ownership in 1993 continue this legacy, preserving and enhancing the park’s unique features.
“José Paronella was an ecotourism pioneer who used discarded cane train tracks to stabilise his buildings and planted 7,500 trees, ensuring they would remain for future generations. The park was powered by Queensland’s first privately owned hydroelectric system, which he continued to use even after grid power arrived. Inspired by his work, we’ve created a Landscape Master Plan for an adjoining property with Sensory Gardens, a Plant Maze, Bush Tucker plants, and formal rainforest plantings,” says Judy Evans, Director of Paronella Park.
In 2024, Paronella Park celebrated 20 years of ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia and achieved Hall of Fame status, setting as an example of how historical and natural attractions can embrace sustainability while offering exceptional visitor experiences.
Judy says, “Sustainability is core to our survival as a business. Ongoing stabilisation of the infrastructure, and maintenance of the grounds, means the story of the founder, José Paronella, lives on.”
Ecotourism Australia has certified more than 2,000 tours, attractions and accommodation experiences across the country. While more than half our Australian members have been certified for over 10 years, only 11% have achieved Hall of Fame status demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability as a core component of their ecotourism businesses.
Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program standards provide operators with key business development tools equipping them to champion their dedication to sustainability. It ensures continuous accountability towards long-term sustainability goals through regular auditing and reporting against global standard sustainable tourism criteria including business sustainability, environmental, social and cultural impacts.
Adopting sustainable tourism practices not only helps to meet customer expectations but also ensures your business has a greater positive impact on the local environment and community.
Paronella Park offers various visitor experiences that highlight its natural and historical beauty while promoting sustainability. Day tours explore the park’s history and architecture, and evening tours feature floodlighting powered by the hydroelectric system, showcasing sustainable energy use.
They also practice comprehensive waste management and conservation to protect local wildlife and plant life, with educational tours raising visitor awareness.
Judy adds, “Eco initiatives underpin all our operations procedures, grounds maintenance, and building preservation processes. Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle is our mantra. We encourage guests to recycle used items, and have relevant bins in multiple locations, explaining what they are for. We also mention to guests that we are Eco Certified and explain what this means. This provides us with a vehicle to inform our guests.”
For a blend of history, natural beauty, and sustainability, Paronella Park’s Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame legacy journey highlights innovative approaches that enhance the park’s appeal and contribute to responsible tourism.
To discover more about Paronella Park you can find them on the Green Travel Guide: Paronella Park | Green Travel Guide
by Ecotourism Australia | May 27, 2023 | Case Study
Regional Tourism Organisation
Gimuy-walubarra yidi Country / Cairns Region, Queensland
Completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) is the official regional tourism organisation for Tropical North Queensland, Australia. Their mission is to promote and develop the tourism industry in the region, while also ensuring that tourism is sustainable and respectful of the environment, culture, and community.
At TTNQ, it is believed that sustainable tourism practices are crucial for the long-term success of the industry. That’s why they promote the use of the Strive for Sustainability Scorecard to assess and improve the sustainability performance of tourism businesses in the region.
TTNQ Sales & Marketing Manager, Harriet Ganfield, stated, “We were not only motivated to help our members complete the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, but wanted to undergo an assessment of our own sustainability practices to see how well we address the four pillars of sustainability as an office.”
TTNQ’s commitment to the four pillars of sustainability is reflected in all areas of their business. They have established an environmental policy to minimise their impact on the environment and work with ecoBiz to improve energy efficiency and waste reduction strategies in their office space. They also offer carbon offsets for delegates at their events via Reforest, a verified offsetting scheme.
TTNQ is also committed to promoting accessibility and supporting other tourism businesses in the region. They distribute thorough accessibility information and maintain an Accessible Travel Hub on their consumer-facing website. As the RTO for the region, they are delighted to contribute to the broader tourism industry within Tropical North Queensland.
Cultural awareness is also a priority for TTNQ. They provide staff with cultural awareness training and actively promote local Indigenous products and tourism businesses.
“Gaining insight into what we have achieved as an organisation is rewarding, and the detailed report provided a practical illustration of ways we can increase our sustainability and score in our next scorecard.”
TTNQ is proud to market their region to the world through stories founded around nature, culture, and adventure. By promoting environmentally responsible actions and highlighting their own commitment to sustainability, they are working to ensure that Tropical North Queensland remains a vibrant and sustainable destination for years to come.
Tropical North Queensland is home to over 70 businesses in Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program championing global best standard sustainability along the Great Barrier Reef.
“As an organisation connected to one of the largest networks of ECO certified businesses in Australia, we are proud to uphold a commitment to continuously striving for tourism sustainability.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 28 April 2023 and is a snapshot of their current sustainability practices. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.
