by Ecotourism Australia | Mar 6, 2024 | Article
Australians love caravanning and camping. It is affordable, family-friendly and often a convenient and relaxing way to experience the unique and stunning natural environments of Australia.
It’s no surprise it’s one of our favourite holiday types, in 2022 Australians spent more than 60.9 million nights on caravan and camping trips.
Caravan and holiday parks are frequently the gateway to our regions and nature-based tourism operators, and Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) are on a mission to make the sector more sustainable by partnering with Ecotourism Australia to provide a sustainable tourism pathway for their members.
Chief Executive Officer of CIAA, Stuart Lamont says “This partnership is key to support the industry sector. Caravanning and camping have immense potential to be part of the growing responsible travel movement in Australia and lead regional small to medium-sized business toward innovative sustainability.”
While, implementing sustainable practices can be challenging, the reward is well worth the time and effort. By making efforts to improve your sustainability, you can strengthen your business’ resilience in times of crisis, create a more positive image of your business and meet the growing demand for sustainable tourism accommodation and experiences.
Reports show that visitors want sustainable options now more than ever; one Expedia report even found that three in five travellers chose environmentally friendly lodging in recent years. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ and indeed it is now a ‘must have’ for all tourism businesses. It just makes good business sense.
We asked some ECO Certified caravan parks to share why sustainability is important to them and how it has helped their business to thrive. Here’s what they said:
Townsville Eco Resort
Having owned the park since 2014, Martin and Fiona Lidgett saw the value of implementing sustainable practices early on and the park is now a leader in sustainable tourism. Implementing numerous initiatives across areas of water, waste and energy have led to direct cost savings for the business:
Water reduction and re-use policies has resulted in no toilet taxes and reduced development infrastructure costs.
Installation of 19.8 kw of solar in 2018 has saved them up to $4k a month in electricity bills.
Their innovative introduction of white roofs across all their built infrastructure helps cool the park and reduce their energy usage.
Incredibly, they’ve seen an increase in wildlife that inhabits the park, creating unforgettable experiences for their guests as a result of their environmental initiatives.
Increased collaboration with Caravanning Queensland, their regional tourism organisation, Townsville Enterprise, and the Townsville City Council has enabled them to build their industry network and get involved with local initiatives. They have also achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification with Ecotourism Australia and waste and energy stars from CCIQ Ecobiz in recognition of their sustainability efforts.
Fiona says all of these initiatives have enabled them to obtain dramatic financial savings and greater resilience during weather events to remain operational.
Fiona’s top tip: You don’t have to be perfect from the beginning. Start small and build on that over time.
Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Based within the Great Barrier Reef region, Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort owner Greg McKinnon understands the importance of protecting the area’s ecosystems. Their sustainability messaging flows through the entire business, and they’ve found customers notice this.
Greg’s first piece of advice for businesses new to sustainability is to develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). This helped their business identify and measure sustainable activities, inform their core messaging and business strategies, and achieve buy-in from staff.
His second piece of advice is to look at all your business activities and developments with a lens of sustainability. There are so many options which meet both financial and environmental requirements if you do the research. For example, in December 2022, the resort switched from individual cabin bathroom amenities to refillable pump stations, diverting 19,536 single use plastic containers from landfill – a significant financial and environmental saving.
Finally, making a positive impact can be innovative and fun! They’ve introduced food scrap buckets in their kitchens, so guests can feed the furry friends at the resort’s Animal Park. This simple action has the dual benefit of reducing food waste and creating a positive guest experience.
Advancing and promoting their sustainability measures and ECO Certification has helped to attract visitors to the resort and appropriate messaging helps guests make a positive impact.
Greg’s top tip: Personalise your activities to your region and business, there’s no one way to do sustainability and your approach may be different to others.
Are you a member of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and want to start your sustainability journey? Ecotourism Australia can help you get started with the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard and our range of Certifications. CIAA members that start their journey with the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard before progressing to Certification are eligible for an exclusive Certification discount. Contact us today for more information.
Interested to learn more about sustainable tourism and what it means for your business? Join us at the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit in Brisbane on 4-6 June.
References: Caravan Industry Association of Australia
by Ecotourism Australia | Mar 1, 2024 | Case Study
Wedding Venue & Farm Stay
Darumbal and Woppaburra Country / Emu Park, Queensland
Completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard
Established in 2013, The Salty Lime Co is a true slice of paradise, situated on 133 acres of green or dry pastures depending on the season, just a stone’s throw from the Capricorn Coast’s breathtaking beaches.
The rustic wooden location is a combination of farmhouse atmosphere and coastal retreat. It has several areas in which to hold events, including the “Ceremonial Hill,” a stunning timber decking that overlooks the Keppel Islands, surrounding verdant shrubs and the Finger Lime Orchard as well as glamping accommodation surrounded by 360-degree views of beautiful native bushland and ocean views.
The owners, Roxanne and Luke Hinton, are passionate about creating special moments and memories that last forever, and they also desire to leave a positive impact in their daily activities. To ensure their existing practices aligned with their values, they completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.
“We have always had a passion for caring for our environment and doing what we can where we can and always wanting to learn more about things that we can improve on. This was a fantastic opportunity to look over all of our current practices and redesign our policies and procedures,” said Roxanne.
Through completing the Scorecard they realised they had a lot to be proud of already, sharing that they’ve already taken steps to better manage their waste, reduce their carbon emissions and raise awareness about environmental conservation and the culture and history of the land they operate on.
The support of the Ecotourism Australia team and the valuable insights produced by their feedback report helped them consider the next green steps.
“It was very interesting to see where we can improve on, we are currently looking into more work on our Sustainable Management plans and Cultural impacts which we are very excited about as without this report we would have no idea what areas needed addressing.”
The Scorecard also improved their understanding of sustainability, leading to a more informed knowledge of best practices to disseminate within the team and with guests.
“We have taken away so much from this process and has made us look at certain aspects of our Farm and Business in a new way.”
“We are excited to implement changes where it is needed and feel we have a broader knowledge now about what we can do and how to do it.”
“I’m now enjoying teaching our Team and guests ways that can also follow our environmental practices and we have the knowledge behind us to educate them,” said Roxanne.
When thinking about their business’s desire to progress to Certification, Roxanne said, “We want to do our part to create a more sustainable future and attract environmentally conscious guests who prioritise supporting a eco-friendly business”.
Be inspired by Salty Lime Co’s unique eco-friendly environment and discover how to celebrate your boutique-style wedding with your loved ones: https://thesaltylimeco.com.au/
The Salty Lime Co completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 26 September 2023 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 | Feb 28, 2024 | Media Release
Queensland tourism businesses can apply for newly released funding from the Queensland Government for their ECO Certification or Sustainable Tourism Certification application and audit fee, renewal fee and/or Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard registration.
The Queensland Department of Tourism and Sport has today released a $2 million Tourism Business Capability Subsidy for Queensland tourism businesses to further their development in essential areas, including sustainability and ecotourism. The subsidy is designed to boost the growth of Queensland’s tourism industry to directly support Towards Tourism 2032 – Transforming Queensland’s visitor economy future, a tourism industry strategy. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2,000 (excluding GST) in funding.
Ecotourism Australia’s Chief Executive officer, Elissa Keenan, said this was a prime opportunity for Queensland’s eco and sustainable tourism businesses.
“This subsidy is importantly supporting Queensland tourism businesses to begin and grow on their sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised Certifications and the pre-certification benchmarking program, Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard,” said Ms Keenan.
“Queensland is well placed as a leader in sustainable tourism and we proudly certify 212 businesses across the state as ECO Certified or Sustainable Tourism Certified.
“We encourage all our existing Certified and applying operators, and businesses in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program, as well as any others interested in progressing their sustainability credentials to investigate this grant opportunity and further their business development,” said Ms Keenan.
The Subsidy will support sole traders, micro, small and medium-sized tourism and event businesses to undertake targeted accreditation and/or training programs to help businesses deliver exceptional experiences and exceed visitor expectations.
In addition to Ecotourism Australia’s Certifications and Programs, businesses can also use the funding for accreditation and training including in trade distribution, cultural understanding and accessible tourism.
Applications open 28 February and close 27 March with outcomes advised 5 April 2024.
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by Ecotourism Australia | Feb 9, 2024 | Case Study
Bunurong Country / Somers, Victoria
Lord Somers Camp is a not-for-profit organisation that engages young people in volunteering and community development.
The camp was established in 1931 by the then Governor of Victoria – Lord Arthur Herbert Tennyson Somers. Lord Somers was passionate about community development particularly in youth. His aim was to create a more inclusive society for all. To do this he started Lord Somers Camp, which introduced youth to their peers from diverse backgrounds.
The campsite is nestled in spectacular surrounds, perfect for getting out into nature and exploring.
“We are luckily located on a beautiful part of the Mornington Peninsula in Somers where we are surrounded by indigenous flora and fauna both on land and in the ocean. Somers Beach is directly on the doorstep of our site across of Merricks Creek,” said Jayda Hunt, Administration Officer at the camp.
Lord Somers Camp highly values the importance of sustainable business practices and recognises it as an area for constant improvement.
“Our main reason for taking the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is to ensure that we have as little impact as possible on our ecosystem and protect the environment we are so lucky to be part of.”
For the organisation, there were many benefits to gaining the scorecard. “To be directly prompted on what areas are specifically relevant to our environment and business practices. Also, to have a tangible score available to show our community and display the value we place on learning, growing and prioritising sustainable practices.”
The process of applying was made simple through the dedicated portal with step-by-step instructions that were easy to follow.
“All criteria are explained in detail and efficiently categorised with related topics. The attachments section is very useful to have a complete list of all uploaded documents and link them to each question,” said Jayda.
Taking steps towards a better sustainability score is a priority for the organisation and using the recommended guidance will ensure their continued growth.
Applying for the scorecard gave Lord Somers Camp the opportunity to reflect on current practices in a more deliberate and focused way.
Jayda explained, “The scorecard revealed we were operating sustainably within so many areas of our business already, and the simplicity of the Coach’s Remarks gave easy to follow guidance for further action and education. It was interesting to see the importance placed on not only our specific environmental impact but also on any linked external sustainability efforts too. The program naturally encourages engagement and a desire for continuous improvement.”
To continue their sustainability journey, they aim to focus on one ‘not achieved’ criteria per month to regularly review and improve their sustainable practices.
“We are committed to continuous improvement and sharing the journey with the many hundreds of members in our organisation,” shared Jayda.
Today, Lord Somers Camps facilitate twenty-two personal and community development programs each year with lord Somers’ original goal of creating a more inclusive and friendly society.
Find out more about the camps facilities, programs and activities here: https://www.lordsomerscamp.com/
Lord Somers Camp completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 31 October 2023 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 | Jan 17, 2024 | Media Release
Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru has proudly achieved both Advanced Ecotourism and Respecting Our Culture Certification to become the first ECO Certified business of 2024.
Ayers Rock Resort is one of Australia’s most significant tourism operators, marking it’s 40th anniversary this year. It is managed by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation (ILSC) – together with the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre in Far North Queensland. Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre holds Advanced Ecotourism and Respecting Our Culture certification and is recognised as a Green Travel Leader for its more than ten years of certification.
As Voyages operates in some of Australia’s most sensitive ecosystems and culturally significant destinations, obtaining Ecotourism certification supports the organisation’s goal of ensuring these locations are protected for future generations to experience and enjoy.
“We’re incredibly proud Ayers Rock Resort has now been ECO Certified, alongside sister property Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. We believe responsible tourism is the only way forward for our industry and our planet, which is why we’re committed to respectful, cultural tourism that cares for Country and community. This achievement is a testament to all the team who work so hard every day on our sustainable journey,” said Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
Chief Executive Officer of Ecotourism Australia, Ms Elissa Keenan, said this was a wonderful reinforcement of the significant sustainability initiatives implemented at the resort.
“Voyages is a strong leader when it comes to sustainability and community focused initiatives, and we are honoured to have Ayers Rock Resort formally achieving Advanced ECO Certification as well as Respecting our Culture (ROC) with Ecotourism Australia.”
“Voyages have committed to sustainable tourism practices for a long period with the Mossman Gorge Centre ECO Certified since 2008. We are delighted to acknowledge and recognise Ayers Rock Resort with global best practice certification.”
Alongside its sustainability initiatives of an onsite solar field, drive-through recycling centre and wildlife conservation programs, Ayers Rock Resort offers respectful and responsible cultural tourism in the spiritual heart of Australia, the iconic Red Centre. Simply by staying at Ayers Rock Resort or experiencing one of Voyages’ many tours, unique dining experiences and art, visitors can experience Uluru in immersive ways whilst supporting local communities, contributing to cultural preservation and leaving a low-impact environmental footprint.
The organisation’s strong commitment to social responsibility means ongoing investment to support the improvement of cultural tourism facilities as well as Indigenous training and employment across Australia. By visiting Kulata Café at Ayers Rock Resort, guests help to empower a growing Indigenous workforce by providing on-the-job experience for trainees of Voyages’ National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA). Now in its 11th year, so far over 650 young Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders have graduated with market-leading qualifications in tourism and hospitality.
Through the Anangu Communities Foundation, Voyages funds projects that have a positive impact on the health, education and culture of Anangu. Since its introduction in 2003, the Foundation has injected over $3 million into vital projects in the region.
And through the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), remote communities throughout Central Australia benefit from direct and ethical art sales, with 22 Indigenous community Art Centres now showing their artists’ works at the gallery.
Cultural sustainability at Voyages also extends to tours and experiences. Notably Ayers Rock Resort is home to the ground-breaking Wintjiri Wiru, which sees choreographed drones, lasers and projections take flight to illuminate the desert sky with an ancient Anangu story. Visitors can see and hear, in local Pitjantjatjara language, the ancient Mala creation story, immersing themselves in living history and connecting them authentically to Country and culture.
Wintjiri Wiru is the first time an Indigenous story has been told through such technology at this scale and frequency performed on a regular basis anywhere in the world. Every guest who experiences Wintjiri Wiru plays a role in delivering long-term benefits to Anangu.
ECO Certification, first launched by Ecotourism Australia in 1996, was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program and aligns with global best practice sustainable tourism standards. There are currently more than 1,800 ECO Certified accommodation and experience products around Australia.
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Media Contacts
Ecotourism Australia – Georgie Snare, Communications and Events Officer e: georgie@ecotourism.org.au ph: 07 3256 6777
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia – Anna Bathgate, Director PR and Corporate Communications e: media@voyages.com.au ph: +61 409 340 729
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