by Ecotourism Australia | Aug 29, 2023 | Article
Ecotourism Australia has partnered with The University of Queensland (UQ) and Christmas Island Tourism Association (CITA) to strengthen tourism sustainability within the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) Marine Parks with grant funding recently awarded by Parks Australia.
The grant project is building on existing enthusiasm for responsible tourism initiatives in the IOT by developing a pathway to sustainability and world-class ecotourism in the region and will run for two years. The IOT offers visitors an immersive nature experience to scuba dive reefs with abundant marine life, get to know the local culture or witness the iconic annual red crab migration on Christmas Island. Tourism Australia’s Global Future of Tourism Demand research in 2022 found that more than 75% of travellers from 20 key markets are committed to sustainability in some way. It is integral that small island communities, such as the IOT, are supported and equipped in tools to ensure tourism has a positive impact on their place and people as visitation to the area grows.
“The award of the IOT Marine Park Grant will boost the region’s capacity for and understanding of sustainable tourism by creating a pathway to globally recognised Certification through Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard and for some operators, progression to ECO or Sustainable Tourism Certification,” said Ms Elissa Keenan, Chief Executive of Ecotourism Australia.
“Sustainability is no longer a nice to have, it is an essential aspect of any tourism business and visitor expectations are rapidly changing. Increasingly, experiences and destinations that are committed to minimising environmental impact and supporting local community and culture are prioritised by tourists. It is essential that we support the IOT community to equip them with the tools to attract responsible visitors who are considerate of the pristine place they visit.”
Regular engagement with key stakeholders including Parks Australia, Australian Marine Parks, CITA, local councils, the IOT Regional Development Organisation and tourism operators, will ensure the project continues to prioritise local industry needs.
“Collaboration with the Christmas Island Tourism Association will provide on-the-ground insights and expertise to engage operators more effectively in the Scorecard and Certification programs,” said Ms Keenan.
“Advanced Ecotourism Certified accommodation Swell Lodge is currently the only Certified operator on Christmas Island, and we look forward to other businesses joining them in the coming months and years.”
“Responsible tourism is the key to preserving the natural wonders that make the island so extraordinary,” said Ms Sarah Coote, Destination Marketing Manager at Christmas Island Tourism Association.
“We are thrilled to witness the growing demand among both visitors and locals to embrace sustainability and eco-friendly practices in our tourism industry.
“This project is an incredible opportunity for Christmas Island tourism operators to become ambassadors of sustainability, protective of our natural wonders, and advocates for responsible travel. By doing so, we not only safeguard our island’s treasures but also inspire sustainable tourism standards across the industry,” Ms Coote said.
The University of Queensland – one of Australia’s top research-intensive institutions – will be leading the project management and research arm of the project, exploring the topic of sustainable development and planning for tourism with input supplied by local industry.
“We are excited to receive this Indian Ocean Territories Marine Park grant from Parks Australia for this important ecotourism project in collaboration with Ecotourism Australia and Christmas Island Tourism Association,” said Dr Noreen Breakey, research project lead and ecotourism expert from The University of Queensland.
“This research will elicit the community’s vision for tourism activity in their precious part of the world, which will then inform the recommendations developed to support the Indian Ocean Territories in planning and realising a sustainable tourism future,” explained Dr Breakey.
In the first stage of the project, local operators have the opportunity to participate in a complimentary Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard thanks to the Parks Australia grant funding. The Scorecard enables businesses to learn sustainable business practices and receive personalised feedback for further business development. Ecotourism Australia will use the Scorecard insights to benchmark sustainability initiatives in the region to inform the next stages of the project. Operators will be invited to attend a workshop during an onsite visit in October by Ecotourism Australia and UQ. Conversation with stakeholders and industry whilst onsite will establish the project’s research priorities.
The second stage will oversee the development of a targeted sustainable tourism toolkit to address sustainability gaps and highlight local best practices identified in the first round Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecards. In the third stage, a final onsite visit to Christmas Island will be held to deliver ongoing assistance for businesses on their certification journey.
The IOT Marine Park Grant compliments the recent establishment of the Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Island Marine Parks in 2022. It seeks to enhance the protection, promotion, understanding of and engagement in the marine environment as well as increase local employment and sustainable economic growth on the islands.
Tourism operators located in the Indian Ocean Territories are eligible to register for a complimentary Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, however places are limited. For more information and to register for a complimentary scorecard click here.
More information
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Media Contact:
Ecotourism Australia: Georgie Snare, Communications and Events Officer, (e): georgie@ecotourism.org.au (ph): 07 3256 6777
by Ecotourism Australia | Aug 15, 2023 | Article
Caravan Industry Association of Australia and Ecotourism Australia will collaborate to promote a pathway to sustainability for caravanning and camping tourism enterprises in Australia.
More than 6,000 businesses operate across the caravan and camping supply chain in Australia and caravanning and camping generated $7.4 billion in visitor expenditure in 2021, a 29% increase from the previous year according to Tourism Research Australia. This trend is expected to continue its upward tick with Caravan Industry Association of Australia reporting a 10% increase in caravan and camping visitor trips in the year to March 2023 compared to 2019 pre-COVID figures.
Caravanning and camping remain the number one provider of holiday nights across regional Australia with record levels of trips and nights undertaken up to March 2023. The pipeline remains strong post COVID, with a record number of Australians also registering new caravanning and camping product.
“Caravanning and camping trips are one of Australia’s favourite pastimes facilitating access to regional destinations. Of the 120 ECO Certified accommodations in Australia who have achieved global best practice sustainability standards, over a third offer caravanning, camping and glamping experiences. We look forward to seeing more parks undertake this journey towards ECO or Sustainable Tourism Certification,” said Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Elissa Keenan.
“The commitment by Caravan Industry Association of Australia to promote sustainability is significant. It is wonderful to partner with the peak national body for the caravanning and camping industry, Caravan Industry Association of Australia, to kickstart a pathway to sustainable tourism.”
Caravan Industry Association of Australia Chief Executive, Stuart Lamont, said the partnership was key to support the sector.
“We are pleased to partner with Ecotourism Australia to help promote the importance of sustainability to our caravan parks and associated operators.
“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,” he said.
The Sustainable Tourism pathway program supports the tourism industry and the tourism supply to address the four pillars of sustainability: sustainable management, environmental impacts, socio-economic impacts, and cultural impacts. It includes the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard pre-certification benchmarking tool; and the foundational ECO Certification program (for nature-based tourism businesses) and the new Sustainable Tourism Certification for non-nature-based businesses, both of which have a standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Caravan Industry Association of Australia is not-for-profit collaborating with its membership base comprising of individual state caravanning and camping associations.
Ecotourism Australia’s Head of Sustainability and Business Operations, Nadine Schramm, will be presenting a session on managing sustainability at the Victorian Caravan Parks Association’s 2023 VicParks Conference on Tuesday 15 August.
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Media Contacts
Ecotourism Australia: Georgie Snare, Communications and Events Officer, (e): georgie@ecotourism.org.au (ph): 07 3256 6777
About Caravan Industry Association of Australia
The Australian Caravan and Camping industry is a $27.1 billion industry that directly employs 53,000 people, manufactures locally more than 20,000 vehicles per annum, services over 740,000 vehicles on the road, generates 12 million trips and 60 million visitor nights in caravan parks across the country.
Caravan Industry Association of Australia Ltd is the peak national body representing the Caravanning and Camping Industry in Australia. As an association representing the sector we undertake a number of activities each year aimed at increasing awareness of the industry, improving the industry and encouraging consumer participation within the sector. These activities include TV cooperatives, online marketing activities, advertising, PR activities, research, advocacy, lobbying, Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer’s Accreditation Program (RVMAP) and a parks accreditation program, plus an annual conference.
by Ecotourism Australia | Aug 9, 2023 | Article
Twelve eco and nature-based tourism businesses have cemented their legacy as leaders in Australia’s sustainable tourism industry by achieving 20 years of ECO Certification and entering Ecotourism Australia’s prestigious Hall of Fame in 2023.
A further 23 ECO Certified tourism operators have been recognised as “Green Travel Leaders” for their 10 years of certification.
Ecotourism Australia CEO Ms Elissa Keenan congratulated these operators for their outstanding efforts over a significant period.
“Our new Hall of Fame entrants have been ECO Certified for more than twenty years and are among Australia’s first sustainable tourism innovators. They join 50 operators who been awarded Hall of Fame status since 1997.
“Similarly, our Green Travel Leaders, who are tourism businesses that have reached a decade of ECO Certification, should be commended for their continuous commitment to global sustainability standards,” Ms Keenan said.
“With travellers increasingly seeking transformative and sustainable experiences that make a difference, these operators are at the forefront of world-class sustainability leadership.
Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program standard is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The certification not only provides operators with key business development tools and equips them to champion their dedication to sustainability in tourism, but it ensures continuous accountability towards long-term sustainability goals.
The Retreat Manager of Western Australia’s Forest Rise Retreat (a Hall of Fame entrant) Mr Benson Holland believes all businesses should be aiming for sustainability.
“[ECO Certification] gives our team a sense of pride and responsibility with the product we offer,” said Holland. “It also gives assurance to our guests that we are committed to a sustainable future and a great point of difference against our competitors.
Joh Bloomberg, Safety, Environment & Community Manager at Tasmanian Walking Company, this year recognised as a Green Travel Leader says, “Certification has acted as a super helpful signpost, pointing out which direction we should walk in!”
Bloomberg continues, “By using the Ecotourism Australia accreditation and certification process we have been able to anchor our passion and ideas in a solid, usable, and useful framework that helps us build on our current initiatives and shows the way for continuous improvement across the business.”
Operations Manager Marie Hiles from Green Travel Leader business Tribal Warrior in New South Wales said, “As an Aboriginal-owned and operated business our core beliefs really align with Ecotourism Australia as connecting to culture and connecting to country is what we provide.”
Ecotourism Australia has more certified more than 1,800 tours, attractions, accommodation providers and experiences across the country. 56% of certified operators have been certified for over 10 years, and just over 60 businesses have reached over 20 years of certification, demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability as a core component of nature tourism businesses.
2023 is a milestone year for Ecotourism Australia, with 14 businesses noted for reaching 25 years of ECO Certification. Already recognised in the Hall of Fame, these operators are the original pioneers of ecotourism globally.
“As an ecotourism leader, we are driven by a sustainability mission which sees us continuously challenging ourselves to learn and improve how we operate,” stated Richard Berman-Hardman, General Manager of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway in Queensland.
“We are also privileged to have the opportunity to connect thousands of people from all over the world with the story of the oldest, most important rainforest environment on Earth and we are committed to raising awareness and delivering an experience which builds enthusiasm and passion for the ecosystem we present.
“We feel that Ecotourism Australia understands this and shares our vision for a progressive, sustainable mindset within the visitor economy. ECO certification provides assurances to prospective visitors that they are choosing an ethical, well managed product and we couldn’t imagine operating without this seal of approval.”
All operators certified by Ecotourism Australia are featured on the all-in-one sustainable travel platform, the Green Travel Guide. The Green Travel Guide allows travellers to find over 1,800 certified and sustainable experiences across Australia and book directly with operators.
25+ years certified
Queensland
Quicksilver Connections
Wavedancer – Low Isles
Binna Burra Mountain Lodge
Kingfisher Bay Resort
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Tour Gold Coast
Ocean Rafting
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Wildlife Habitat
Canopy Rainforest Tree Houses & Wildlife Sanctuary
Wavelength Reef Cruises
Victoria
Gippsland High Country Tours (After 32 years of operating, Gippsland High Country Tours have decided to close their doors. We thank them for their contribution to certified sustainable tourism as one of the first operators to achieve ECO Certification.)
South Australia
Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Northern Territory
Gecko Canoeing and Trekking
Hall of Fame entrants 2023
(20 years of ECO Certification)
Western Australia
Forest Rise Chalets & Lodge
Kimberley Quest
The Great Escape Charter Company
Three Islands Whale Shark Dive
Ningaloo Coral Bay Boats
Go Wild Adventure Tours
Queensland
Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Tallship Adventures & Tallship Derwent Hunter
South Australia
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Rawnsley Park Station
Northern Territory
Alice Springs Desert Park
Australia-wide
Coral Expeditions
Green Travel Leader 2023
(10 years of ECO Certification)
New South Wales
Tribal Warrior
Simmo’s Offroad Tours
Broger’s End Kangaroo Valley
Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat
Oakvale Wildlife Park
Spirit Safaris
Noonaweena
AquaFun Avoca Lake
Queensland
Tasman Venture
Horizon Guides
Australian Sunset Safaris
Whitsunday Escape Pty Ltd
Queensland Japanese Services
Tasmania
Tasmanian Expeditions
Tarkine Wilderness Lodge Meunna
Tasmanian Walking Company
Freycinet Experience Walk
South Australia
Temptation Dolphin Cruise
Victoria
Torquay Surfing Academy
Western Australia
Absolute Ocean Charters
Northern Territory
Cicada Lodge
Australia-wide
World Expeditions & Australian Walking Holidays
Untamed Escapes
Cover image: Jacqui Way Photography for Rawnsley Park Station, SA.
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Media Contacts
Ecotourism Australia: Georgie Snare, Communications and Events Officer, (e): georgie@ecotourism.org.au (ph): 07 3256 6777
by Ecotourism Australia | Jul 31, 2023 | Article
Ecotourism Australia is honoured to welcome Robert Taylor, proud Nhanda Yamaji man and CEO of Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), to the Ecotourism Australia Board of Directors.
Robert brings more than 38 years of expertise in the hospitality and tourism industry having owned and managed a diverse range of businesses across the sectors. Robert has worked for the past eight years as Chief Executive Officer of WAITOC raising the profile of Indigenous tourism in Western Australia. He successfully delivered the Aboriginal Tourism Development Program which has grown 39 new Aboriginal businesses and supported First Nations employment across Western Australia.
Chair of Ecotourism Australia, Dr Claire Ellis said the appointment was welcomed by the Board.
“As an organisation, we are committed to supporting tourism businesses with continuous improvement across the four pillars of sustainability, of which cultural engagement and respect is a significant aspect.
Robert’s vast knowledge and experience in Indigenous tourism will ensure Ecotourism Australia remains at the forefront of sustainability in Australia and internationally. We are pleased to welcome Robert to the Ecotourism Australia Board of Directors.”
Over the course of his career, Robert has established himself as a leading advocate to government for Indigenous tourism across Australia. His appointment to the Board will strengthen Ecotourism Australia’s foothold as a global leader in eco and sustainable tourism and ensure our cultural sustainability standards align with best practise First Nations collaboration and engagement.
“I am pleased to join the Board of Ecotourism Australia and help further shape the future of this reputable organisation. I look forward to advancing Ecotourism Australia’s influential work in responsible tourism and making a positive difference by imparting a First Nation’s perspective to their strategic planning and future direction,” Mr Taylor said.
Robert is a trusted voice to state and federal governments advocating for funds and support for Indigenous tourism development and promotion across Australia and successfully advocated for $40 million investment into Aboriginal tourism nationally. He worked with the Western Australian government to help develop the Jina: WA Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-25, a $20 million investment into Aboriginal tourism for the state.
Dr Ellis also acknowledged the recent resignation of Directors Innes Larkin from Mount Barney Lodge who has been on the Board since 2016 and has held ECO certification for more than 20 years, and Dr Noreen Breakey from the University of Queensland, who has been on the Board since 2019.
“We are deeply grateful to both Directors for their energy, commitment, and contribution to Ecotourism Australia. They have supported the organisation during a period of significant growth and brought unique and credible perspectives from a certified operator, business, academic and industry view,” Dr Ellis said.
“We look forward to ongoing connections with both as they continue to be leaders in their fields and champions of sustainable tourism and positive impact tourism work.”
There will be three Director positions available for election at the 2023 Ecotourism Australia Annual General Meeting in October.
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by Ecotourism Australia | Jun 29, 2023 | Article
The Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience is the first tourism operator in Australia to achieve a global standard sustainability certification for tourism through Ecotourism Australia’s new Sustainable Tourism Certification.
The Sustainable Tourism Certification assures Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience guests that the visitor experience is backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainability and meets international best practice sustainability standards. The Experience minimises negative impacts on the environment and maximises positive impacts for culture, community and the local economy.
The Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience took less than six months to demonstrate and document its alignment with the extensive Sustainable Tourism Certification standard which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The Visitor Experience was independently audited before being awarded certification.
The new Sustainable Tourism Certification enables all tourism operators across Australia to be recognised for their commitment to sustainability at global standard, just as nature-based operators have been able to do for more than two decades under Ecotourism Australia’s legacy ECO Certification program.
“It is incredible to see this iconic industry leader make history in tourism sustainability and demonstrate that every tourism operator, running any visitor experience can put sustainability first in their operations,” said Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Ms Elissa Keenan.
“The Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience has proven that it is not only nature tourism experiences who are committed to responsible tourism practices, but all tourism businesses can implement and be recognised for their sustainability across the visitor economy.
“We are delighted to present the Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience with the nation’s very first Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia.”
Bundaberg Rum Marketing and Experience Manager Duncan Littler said “We are really proud that our efforts to provide an exceptional visitor experience in a way also that meets our environmental, cultural, business management and socio-economic commitments have been recognised today with this Australian-first certification.
“Operating a holistically sustainable tourism business is a real priority for us and we’re proud of the inroads we’ve made, including our new solar panel system to help us reach our target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“However, the job is far from done and we look forward to continuing to work with Ecotourism Australia and others to keep raising the bar for sustainable tourism.”
Launched in late 2022 with the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard pre-certification benchmark tool and Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification, the Sustainable Tourism Certification program for operators is designed to support the wider tourism industry to demonstrate its commitment to, and be recognised for, the four pillars of sustainability: sustainable business management, and environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impact.
The certification process considered how Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience is reducing carbon emissions, supporting biodiversity conservation, contributing to a circular economy, uplifting the local community and delivering sustainability education on their tours.
The wider Bundaberg region achieved ECO Destination Certification in January 2023, led by Bundaberg Regional Council in close collaboration with Bundaberg Tourism, Port Curtis Coral Coast Aboriginal Corporation, local tourism operators and destination stakeholders. Local operators, Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort, Lady Musgrave Experience, Mon Repos Turtle Centre and Kelly’s Beach Resort are all ECO Certified operators.
Bundaberg Tourism CEO Katherine Reid said, “Attaining Australia’s first Sustainable Tourism certification is a well-deserved recognition of the Visitor Experience’s history of respectful and innovative sustainable business practices, and their contribution to the region’s place as a true ECO Destination with a longstanding commitment to preserving the internationally significant, yet fragile natural environment we call home, as the start of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said “Congratulations to Bundaberg Rum for this monumental feat which will not only have a positive impact on the environment but will also support our local economy by boosting visitor numbers to the region.
The Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience and rum distillery facility was showcased to destination managers from across the Australia in March 2023 as part of Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Think Destination Forum held in Bundaberg.
Learn more about Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience and their sustainability efforts on the Green Travel Guide: https://greentravelguide.org/
Duncan Littler, Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience
