Ecotourism Australia has expanded its certification footprint into Fiji, with three Accor properties becoming the organisation’s first certified operators in the destination under its globally recognised program.
The milestone highlights both Accor’s commitment to credible sustainability leadership and Ecotourism Australia’s growing presence across the Pacific.
Novotel Suva Lami Bay, Mercure Nadi and Novotel Nadi have each achieved Sustainable Tourism Certification, recognising their commitment to sustainable tourism practices and providing an independently certified framework to continue strengthening their environmental and operational performance.
Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan said the certifications were an important milestone in the organisation’s growing international presence.
“We are delighted to certify not one, but three Accor properties as we continue to grow our footprint across the Pacific and support tourism businesses that are committed to credible, measurable sustainability,” Ms Keenan said.
“Tourism has an important role to play in demonstrating what practical sustainability looks like, and independent certification gives businesses a credible way to demonstrate that commitment.”
“Accor is a valued partner of Ecotourism Australia, and we are proud to support its continued focus on sustainability across its properties in Australia and the Pacific. We look forward to building on this relationship and supporting more tourism businesses across the region to pursue global best practice in sustainability.”
Image – Mercure Nadi is one of the three hotels to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification with Ecotourism Australia | © Accor
Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Pacific, added: “Fiji is an extraordinary destination, and as an industry we have an important role to play in helping protect what makes it special. We’re proud that Novotel Suva Lami Bay, Mercure Nadi and Novotel Nadi have all achieved Ecotourism Australia certification, marking an important milestone for sustainable tourism in Fiji. It’s a positive step forward as we continue to advance more sustainable practices across Fiji and the wider Pacific, helping to preserve these destinations for future generations.”
Across the three properties, sustainability is embedded through initiatives that support local communities, celebrate Fijian culture and protect the environment.
Mercure Nadi promotes local cultural experiences and educates guests on appropriate behaviour when visiting culturally sensitive sites. The property also supports community initiatives, including Cure for Kids Fiji events, work placements and Fiji Family Sports Days.
Novotel Nadi supports local community organisations and deaf artisans, participates in beach clean-ups and tree planting, and raises awareness of ocean health through its Novotel x WWF partnership, which includes staff training on sustainable seafood. The property has also introduced reusable keep cups and encourages guests to participate in its Skip the Clean program.
Similarly, Novotel Suva Lami Bay provides guests with opportunities to experience local Fijian culture through village and community visits. The property also works with local education provider ServicePro International Tourism & Hospitality Institute and participates in beach clean-ups, tree planting and the Novotel x WWF Ocean Week initiative.
Across the properties, guests are encouraged to Skip the Clean, while each hotel recognises and respects the traditional custodians of the land and the enduring connection of the iTaukei people to these places.
Image – Mercure Nadi is one of the three hotels to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification with Ecotourism Australia | © Accor
The certification builds on Ecotourism Australia’s international expansion, following the certification of the organisation’s first international property in February 2025, Rydges Latimer Christchurch in New Zealand.
Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs provide tourism businesses with a framework based on publicly available criteria, independent third-party auditing and ongoing monitoring, helping businesses demonstrate their sustainability performance and avoid unsubstantiated environmental claims.
Ms Keenan said the expansion into Fiji reflected the growing demand for credible sustainability standards across the Pacific.
“The Pacific is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary natural and cultural assets, and tourism businesses have an important role in protecting and celebrating these places for future generations,” Ms Keenan said.
“Our role is to connect, champion, inspire and inform tourism businesses through global best practice standards, and we are excited to continue working with partners such as Accor to bring that expertise to more destinations across the Pacific.”
ENDS
Media contacts:
Kate Scott
Communication & Engagement Manager
commsmanager@ecotourism.org.au
(07) 3256 6777
Emily Flanagan
Communication & Engagement Specialist
communications@ecotourism.org.au
(07) 3256 6777
Accor
Sarah Lipkin
PR & Communications Manager, Pacific
sarah.lipkin@accor.com
0400 884 621
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 2,500 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 Accor
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,800 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and 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. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor’s mission is reflected in the Group’s purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is 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.