by Ecotourism Australia | Mar 27, 2024 | Case Study
Established in 1996, Christmas Island Tourism Association (CITA) based at the Visitor Information Centre, serves as the island’s tourism hub, providing essential information and products for visitors.
With a focus on showcasing Christmas Island’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage, CITA employs strategic marketing, events, and partnerships to enhance the visitor experience and boost the island’s economy. Committed to responsible tourism, CITA collaborates with the local community to preserve the environment while steering the future direction of tourism on Christmas Island.
Ecotourism Australia, in collaboration with the University of Queensland and Christmas Island Tourism Association, has secured Parks Australia funding to strengthen sustainability in the Indian Ocean Territories and the local economy through world-class ecotourism. The initiative involves an industry development program, promoting global-standard sustainable practices, with an integrated marine science and nature-based tourism approach.
“Preserving the natural wonders of Christmas Island through sustainable ecotourism will not only safeguard precious ecosystems but cultivate thriving local economies and enrich the lives of the local community,” says Sarah Coote, Destination Marketing Manager at Christmas Island Tourism Association.
The ocean crashes against the rock as people walk along a boardwalk on Christmas Island. Image courtesy of Christmas Island Tourism Association.
The Christmas Island Tourism Association plays a pivotal role in supporting this ongoing program, emphasising its significance by completing the Strive for Sustainability Scorecard. This step allows CITA to assess its position within Christmas Island’s sustainability pathway and reinforces its commitment to driving positive change in the region’s sustainable tourism practices.
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. The scorecard is an opportunity for businesses to develop continuous improvement to support long term business success.
Sarah said, “Completing the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard has been a valuable tool for us to see where we are doing well and in what areas we can improve. I’d highly recommend that other businesses on Christmas Island take the opportunity to complete the scorecard.”
As part of the IOT Marine Parks Grant, tourism businesses operating in Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands may be eligible for a free scorecard. If you’d like more information regarding starting your sustainability journey email eco@ecotourism.org.au or call 07 3256 6777.
Christmas Island Tourism Association completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 21 February 2024 and is a snapshot of their current sustainability practices. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.
Start your sustainability journey.
by Ecotourism Australia | Mar 18, 2024 | Article, Media Release
The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards has recognised 11 Ecotourism Australia Certified operators across five states with 13 awards for their commitment to tourism excellence in 2023.
Of the 28 Certified finalists at the national awards, four won gold, eight were awarded silver and one claimed bronze across 10 categories, such as Ecotourism, Major Tour and Transport Operators and Hosted Accommodation.
If certified operators were a state, they would have come runners-up for the highest number of winners behind only Queensland with 14 awards.
Ocean Rafting
Image: Ocean Rafting’s Nathan Fleming, Jan Claxton and Peter Claxton with their gold award.
Advanced Ecotourism Certified Fun Over 50 Holidays in Queensland took out gold in the prestigious Ecotourism category, followed by Sydney by Kayak achieving silver.
For the first time, Sustainable Tourism Certified operators were recognised at the national awards with Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience awarded silver in the Tourist Attractions category.
“We are proud to see 11 Certified operators achieve the top accolade in the Australian tourism industry,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan.
“Our Certified operators continue to deliver the highest-quality experiences while leading the nation in best practice sustainable tourism. As their state’s and now Australia’s leading businesses of 2023, we look forward to watching their impact grow and inspire greater tourism sustainability.
“Congratulations to all Ecotourism Australia certified operators that were nominated and to those that placed on Friday night’s tourism awards.”
Winners are below:
Gold
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Ecotourism
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – Major Tour and Transport Operators
Ocean Rafting – Adventure Tourism
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Caravan & Holiday Parks
Silver
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – Major Tourist Attractions
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience – Tourist Attractions
Sydney by Kayak – Ecotourism
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Cultural Tourism
Ocean Rafting – Major Tour and Transport Operators
Bendleby Ranges – Adventure Tourism
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat – Hosted Accommodation
Tree Chalets – Self-contained Accommodation
Bronze
Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach – 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
by Ecotourism Australia | Mar 15, 2024 | Article, Media Release
28 Ecotourism Australia Certified operators are set to shine at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards tonight at the gala award ceremony in Darwin.
26 ECO Certified and 2 Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses are finalists for 31 awards across 16 diverse categories including Major Tourist Attractions, Ecotourism, Major Tour and Transport Operators and Adventure Tourism. Notably, Ocean Rafting, Fun Over 50 Holidays and Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort are finalists across multiple award categories.
Each finalist has won gold in their respective state tourism awards late last year and are now striving to take out the top acclamation in the country.
Ecotourism Australia CEO, Ms Elissa Keenan, stated, “Tourism businesses certified at world’s best practice sustainability standards continue to demonstrate they are among the highest-quality experiences in Australia and it is commendable to see them recognised at the national level.
“Significantly, 2023 is the first time Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses are recognised at the national level since the launch of the program in 2022 enabling operators that meet global sustainability standards to excel in new categories such as business events.
“We congratulate each nominated business on their finalist achievement and wish our certified operators the best of luck for the night.”
Finalists are below:
1. Major Tourist Attractions
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary QLD
Monarto Safari Park SA
2. Tourist Attractions
Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience QLD
Willie Creek Pearl Farm WA
5. Ecotourism
Sydney by Kayak NSW
Trek Larapinta NT
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD
The Big Duck Boat Tours SA
Tasmanian Walking Company TAS
Parks Victoria – Grampians Peaks Trail VIC
Live Ningaloo WA
6. Cultural Tourism
Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD
7. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience
Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience NSW
Wintjiri Wiru NT
10. Business Event Venues
Sofitel Brisbane Central QLD
11. Major Tour & Transport Operators
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises NSW
AAT Kings NT
Ocean Rafting QLD
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys TAS
12. Tour & Transport Operators
Vision Walks – Eco Tours NSW
13. Adventure Tourism
World Expeditions | Australian Walking Holidays NT
Ocean Rafting QLD
Bendleby Ranges SA
15. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services
Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge NT
Sea World Cruises QLD
17. Caravan & Holiday Parks
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort QLD
18. Hosted Accommodation
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat QLD
19. Unique Accommodation
Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat NSW
20. Self Contained Accommodation
Tree Chalets WA
21. 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach QLD
26. Excellence in Accessible Tourism
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort QLD
by Ecotourism Australia | Mar 13, 2024 | Case Study
Bundajalung Country / Nimbin, New South Wales
Ideally located just three kilometres from the unique and eclectic village of Nimbin, Contained in Nimbin Accommodation offers a peaceful and comfortable retreat for travellers seeking a mix of nature-immersion and luxury.
The two self-contained cottages are sustainably built using a unique, non-traditional construction method from recycled Grade A shipping containers. Guests can enjoy private access to Goolmangar Creek and the surrounding ten-acre self-sustaining permaculture farm that the cottages are nestled on.
Contained in Nimbin follows an eco-mindset, implementing a number of measures to improve the business’ sustainability measures and its guest experience. Aiming to reduce its impact on the environment, the business decided to take the path to sustainability with Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard in partnership with Destination NSW.
“The opportunity to benchmark our business and gauge our current sustainability practices against recognised standards was too valuable to pass up. This initiative allowed us to assess and validate our current sustainability efforts but also to identify areas for improvement and innovation,” said owner Nicole.
Before completing the Scorecard, Nicole had completed a 14 month course in Sustainable Operations to ensure a solid sustainability foundation for Contained In Nimbin’s practices. Despite this, she recognised there are always ways to improve and that the sustainability journey is never complete.
“There is always room for more innovation and improvement, pushing us to explore new ways to enhance our practices and hopefully, one day, lead by example in the sustainability and eco-tourism arena.”
The Scorecard helped Contained in Nimbin understand how to improve their tourism best practices in all aspects.
“One of the most surprising learnings was the breadth and depth of sustainable practices that can be implemented across all aspects of a hospitality business”.
Constant guidance and feedback during the application process was critical in advancing their knowledge of new opportunities and strategies.
“Based on the feedback and suggestions we received, it has inspired us to explore new strategies and initiatives to enhance our sustainability efforts further. The program’s detailed feedback has been instrumental in helping us identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in our sustainability practices.”
Their efforts aim to significantly reduce their environmental footprint while serving as a model for responsible resource management. The business is very proud of its green initiatives, such as developing and implementing a Cultural Action Plan, regenerating an acre of riparian zone on their property, obtaining Wires Rescue Accreditation, as well as focusing on achieving a circular system with their water and waste management systems.
The importance of communicating with and educating guests on their sustainability efforts was a key outcome of the Scorecard for Contained In Nimbin. As a result, they plan to share their practices and Scorecard results on their website and social media as well as through on-site engagement with visitors.
Eventually, the business intends to continue developing their sustainability commitment by taking the next step to Ecotourism Australia Certification.
“We think progressing to certification would be a natural and beneficial next step for our business. It would validate our ongoing efforts on a recognised and respected platform and would help provide us with a structured framework for continuous improvement. We place a lot of strategic value on a formal recognition of our sustainability practices.”
Click here to learn more about Contained in Nimbin’s sustainability efforts and book a stay: https://www.containedinnimbin.com.au/
Contained in Nimbin Accommodation completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 15 January 2024 and is a snapshot of their current sustainability practices. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.
Ecotourism Australia invites you to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 11 am AEST on Monday, 20 October 2025, hosted online via Zoom. This is an important opportunity for members to engage in the governance of our organisation and shape its future direction.At this year’s AGM, the Board of Ecotourism Australia will present a proposed new Constitution for member approval.
The proposed Constitution has been designed to:
- Introduce a balanced structure of member-elected Directors (maximum 5) and Board-appointed Directors (maximum 4)
- Update Director terms from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of two terms (6 years total)
- Meet current regulatory requirements for a Company Limited by Guarantee
- Be modernised and contemporary to meet Ecotourism Australia’s strategic imperatives and our objectives
- Provide a streamlined and concise governance framework.
As required under the Corporations Act 2001, the new Constitution must be formally adopted by members through a special resolution at the AGM. This means that at least 75% of members present and voting will need to support the resolution for it to pass. Your vote is therefore important in shaping the future governance of Ecotourism Australia.
The draft Constitution will be made available to members shortly, so you have time to review it ahead of the AGM.
We have an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Directors for the Ecotourism Australia board. Please note that while EOIs will be open, no new Directors will be appointed before the AGM.
Your participation is vital to ensure our governance reflects the strength, professionalism and sustainability goals of our membership. Further supporting materials for the AGM will be shared shortly.
Thank you for your continued support of Ecotourism Australia. We look forward to your involvement at the AGM.
by Ecotourism Australia | Mar 8, 2024 | Media Release
The Central Coast in New South Wales has won First Place in the global Green Destinations Story Awards at the world’s leading travel trade show ITB Berlin on Wednesday 6 March.
The annual awards are presented to the most inspiring sustainable tourism initiatives submitted across six categories, with the Central Coast receiving the top accolade in the Destination Management category today.
The NSW Central Coast was the only Australian certified ECO Destination recognised on the international stage at ITB Berlin 2024. By winning this competition, the Central Coast has been confirmed as one of the regions leading the way for sustainable tourism on a global scale.
The 2024 Green Destinations Story Awards official ceremony showcased a diverse range of good practice stories from tourism destinations around the world.
Central Coast Council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said this incredible recognition on the international stage represents the undeniable progress we have made growing our ecotourism destination since 2021.
“Taking home this award is testament not only to Council’s ability to lead tourism management for the region, but to the commitment from our local industry who are taking up the mantle and leading with sustainability in their tourism offerings,” Mr Farmer said.
Central Coast Council’s winning Sustainability Story submission focused on the region’s commitment to building an ecotourism community known as ‘Eco Advocates’.
Central Coast’s winning Good Practice Story under the Destination Management category, titled ‘A Destination of Eco Advocates with Whales, Alpacas and Wheels’ received high praise from the judges.
Chief Executive of Ecotourism Australia, Elissa Keenan congratulated Central Coast Council for taking out first place at the world’s most prestigious sustainable destination awards ceremony.
“The Council has worked tirelessly over many years to achieve ongoing global best-practice sustainable destination standards and support their local tourism industry on their own sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia’s Certifications and Programs. Their winning story is a testament to the whole region’s commitment to sustainability and is an inspirational model for other Australian and international destinations to grow sustainability from the ground up,” Ms Keenan said.
Central Coast Administrator Rik Hart said the win is a real testament to Council’s support and investment in the tourism sector on the Central Coast.
“Our investment is being reflected in visitor numbers – for the year ending June 2023 in comparison to June 2022, total domestic visitor numbers have increased by 52.3% with 5,946,000 domestic visitors to the Central Coast.
“Council’s destination marketing and management initiatives have also resulted in winning accolades and major awards over the last few years, including this current global win, but equally significantly, Council’s support has also helped grow local business, economic growth and jobs in the sector.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved in helping achieve this outstanding global award,” Mr Hart said.
The Central Coast has been a consistent finalist in the Top 100 Sustainability Stories competition for the last three years, recognising the region’s ongoing commitment to sustainable destination management best practice led by Central Coast Council, in partnership with the local tourism industry.
The Central Coast became Australia’s third certified ECO Destination in 2022, as part of a commitment to grow sustainable tourism practices in destination management and promote world-class nature-based experiences.
END
About ITB Berlin
ITB Berlin 2024 takes place from Tuesday, five to Thursday, 7 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under the heading ‘Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism Together’, leading speakers from business, science and politics will discuss the industry’s current and future challenges on four stages with a total of 17 themed tracks and more than 24,000 attendees.
About the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories
The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories is an annual competition that collects and celebrates initiatives from Destinations globally, inspiring responsible tourism leadership.
The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories has run annually since 2014, celebrating and promoting 100 destinations as inspiring examples for other destinations, tour operators and visitors. Good Practice Stories selected to the annual Top 100 list combines good practice elements with the power of storytelling.
Participating destinations also have to self-report on the Green Destinations Core Criteria, showing their compliance with the basics of sustainability performance, which provides a unique opportunity for a first step towards sustainability recognition.
Every year, Green Destinations’ jury of experts select the most excellent stories from the Top 100 list to be nominated for the Green Destinations Story Awards, celebrated by ITB Berlin.
Visit the Central Coast’s dedicated destination website to find out more.
