Western Australia’s incredible natural attractions that attract visitors from around the world will be protected for years to come with improved auditing standards for nature-based tourism operators.
Today’s announcement by Western Australia’s Minister for Environment, Hon. Reece Whitby and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Roger Cook, ensures that those operators offering nature-based experiences need to meet Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised certification standards as part of their state government accreditation.
Streamlining the audit process for protected areas and national parks with Ecotourism Australia’s certification will not only make it easier for certified tourism operators, but will ensure that these natural attractions are protected for future generations due to our high standards of nature-based and ecotourism experiences.
“Ecotourism Australia is pleased to be recognised by the West Australian Government for our high certification standards and look forward to recognising those businesses offering eco and nature-based tourism” said Elissa Keenan, CEO Ecotourism Australia.
“Our program is the world’s longest running ecotourism certification and is designed to assure travellers that nature-based experiences are backed by strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and actions to protect these incredible natural landmarks.
“Of the 66 ECO certified operators within Western Australia, 46 of those are operating in the state’s national parks, marine parks and protected areas. This announcement by the WA government will ensure a more streamlined process that reduces costs and time which is important for an industry that is still recovering from events of the last few years.”
“This commitment made by the Western Australia Government recognises the long-term commitment needed to sustainability. We are proud to continue supporting ecotourism experiences on a local and regional level through our ECO Destination Certification, which saw the Augusta-Margaret River region recognised as an Ecotourism Destination earlier this year.”