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Sustainable Development Goals
SDG Ecoturism Australia Sections Ecotourism Australia Criteria 1 - No Poverty 1 Business Management7 Working with local communities 1.2, 7.1a-c, 7.3a-b 2 - Zero Hunger 1 Business Management7 Working with local communities 1.2, 7.1a-c, 7.3a-b 3 - Good Health and Well-Being 1 Business Management7 Working with local communities 1.2, 1.5, 7.1a-c, 7.3a-b 4 - Quality Education 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1.2, 1.5, 4.1c, 5.4a, 6.2b, 7.1c, 8.1c, 8.2c 5 - Gender Equality 1 Business Management 1.2 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation 4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education 4.1, 4.5a in ECO, 4.5b in Sustainable Tourism Cert, 4.9h, 4.9k, 4.10e, 4.12b, 4.12f, 5.4a 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy 4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education 4.1, 4.5a in ECO, 4.5b in Sustainable Tourism Cert, 4.8c, 4.9b-f , 5.4a 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1.2, 1.5, 4.2a, 4.2c, 5.4a, 7.1a-c, 7.1c, 7.2a, 7.3a-b, 8.1b-d, 8.3a-d 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infraestructure 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 4.1a, 4.2a, 4.2c, 5.4a, 6.1a, 6.2b, 7.1a-c, 7.2a, 7.3a, 7.3b, 8.1b, 8.1d, 8.3a-d 10 - Reduced Inequalities 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1,2, 1.3, 1.5, 4.2a, 4.2c, 5.4a, 6.1a-b, 6.2a-c, 7.1a-c, 7.2a, 7.3a-c, 8.1a-c, 8.2c, 8.3a-d 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1,2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 4.1a, 4.1c, 4.2a, 4.2c, 4.5a in ECO, 4.5b in Sustainable Tourism Cert, 5.1c, 5.4a, 6.1a-b, 6.2a-c, 7.1a-c, 7.2a, 7.3a-d, 8.1a, 8.2a 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1,2, 4.1a, 4.1c, 4.2a, 4.2c, 4.3a-d, 4.6a, 4.5a in ECO, 4.5b in Sustainable Tourism Cert, 4.9h, 4.10e, 4.12b, 4.12f, 5.1a-d, 5.4a, 6.2a-c, 7.1a-c, 8.1b, 8.1d, 8.3a-c 13 - Climate Action 2 Responsible marketing4 Environmental Management6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 2.c, 2.e, 4.1a, 4.1c, 4.2a, 4.2c, 4.3a, 4.3b-d, 4.5e, 4.6a, 4.9b-f, 4.9h, 4.10e, 4.10f, 4.12a-b, 6.1a-b, 6.2a-c, 7.1a-c, 7.3a-c, 8.1b, 8.3a-c 14 - Life Below Water 2 Responsible marketing4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 2.c, 2.e, 4.1a, 4.1c, 4.2a, 4.2c, 4.3a, 4.3b, 4.3c, 4.3d, 4.7b in ECO, 4.7a in Sustainable Tourism Cert, 4.6a, 4.7a-h, 4.9h, 4.9k, 4.10a, 4.10d-g, 4.11c, 4.12a-b, 4.12d-f, 5.1a-e, 5.2a, 5.3a, 5.3c-e, 5.4a-c, 6.1a-b, 6.2a-c, 7.1b, 7.2a, 7.3a-c, 8.1a-c 15 - Life on Land 2 Responsible marketing4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 2.c, 2.e, 4.1a, 4.1c, 4.2a, 4.2c, 4.3a-d, 4.5a in ECO, 4.5b in Sustainable Tourism Cert, 4.7b in ECO, 4.7a in Sustainable Tourism Cert , 4.6a, 4.7a-h, 4.8a, 4.8d, 4.9e, 4.9h, 4.9k, 4.10a, 4.10d-g, 4.11b-d, 4.12a-f, 5.1a-e, 5.2a, 5.3a, 5.3c-e, 5.4a-c, 6.1a-b, 6.2a-c, 7.1b, 7.2a, 7.3a-c, 8.1a-c 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1,2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 4.1a, 4.1c, 4.2a, 4.2c, 4.5a in ECO, 4.5b in Sustainable Tourism Cert, 5.1c, 5.4a, 7.1a-c, 7.2a, 7.3a-c, 8.1a-d, 8.2a-c, 8.3a-d 17 - Partnership for the Goals 1 Business Management4 Environmental Management5 Interpretation and education6 Contribution to conservation7 Working with local communities8 Cultural respect and sensitivity 1.1, 1,2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.c, 2.e, 4.1a, 4.2a, 4.2c, 5.1c, 5.4a, 6.2, 7.1a-c, 7.2a, 7.3a-c, 8.1a-c, 8.2c, 8.3a-d
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Wildlife SanctuaryPort Stephens, NSWCompleted the Strive 4 Sustainability ScorecardThe Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of koalas in the wild.In partnership with the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, the sanctuary provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas in the region. It promotes sustainability through recycling programs, a 'Return and Earn' initiative, and the reduction of single-use plastics by offering bulk amenities and reusable water bottles. The landscaping features native plants that require less water, supporting the local ecosystem. One of the many highlights is The Sanctuary Story Walk, a 250-meter immersive pathway designed to offer visitors of all ages a captivating and educational journey into the world of koalas. This engaging attraction deepens appreciation for these iconic creatures while fostering a greater understanding of their importance in the face of growing environmental challenges. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary received a complimentary Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, thanks to the partnership between Destination NSW and Ecotourism Australia. The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is a pre-certification bench marking tool assessing businesses against the 4 Pillars of Sustainability: Sustainable Management, Environmental, Socio-economic, and Cultural Impacts and is based on globally recognised sustainability criteria. James Cook, manager of Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary stated,“The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program has helped align our operations with sustainable practices. This initiative has enhanced our conservation efforts and demonstrated our commitment to preserving koalas and their natural habitat for future generations. The sanctuary aims to further improve its sustainability practices and continue providing extended care opportunities for a diverse range of native Australian wildlife in the Port Stephens region.” “Being relatively new in the conservation and preservation of wild species space, participation in Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability program ensured that the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary navigated correctly through this vitally important business improvement,” said Mr. Cook. When Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, they received a detailed report providing a snapshot of their current sustainability practices, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. They plan to use these insights to identify opportunities for further enhancing their sustainability efforts. You can learn more about Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary and book your visit here. Start your sustainability journey.
Barrington Coast Achieves Sustainability Milestone with ECO Destination Certification
MidCoast Council is proud to announce that the Barrington Coast region has achieved ECO Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia, highlighting their dedication to protecting their environment. Located on the lower mid-north coast of New South Wales, three hours north of Sydney, the Barrington Coast is a haven for nature lovers and home to incredible landscapes such as the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of the Barrington Tops and the Ramsar Convention designated wetland of international importance the Myall lakes. This milestone makes the Barrington Coast the fifth destination in New South Wales and the 13th in Australia to receive this distinguished recognition. "We’re incredibly excited to welcome the Barrington Coast region as our newest certified ECO Destination,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO, Ms. Elissa Keenan. "Led by the wonderful team at MidCoast Council, this achievement highlights the region’s commitment to adhering to global best practice sustainable tourism. Alongside achieving ECO Destination Certification, the region has actively supported local operators to achieve business certification or to complete our pre-certification benchmarking tool, the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard,” Ms Keenan said. Support for the certification program was also provided from WWF-Australia's Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund. Following the Black Summer bushfires, WWF-Australia partnered with Ecotourism Australia to help 11 bushfire-affected regions build back better through ecotourism. “Our ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia highlights our continued commitment and progress towards a more sustainable tourism industry, while creating more attractive experiences for locals and visitors,” said Mayor Claire Pontin. MidCoast Council has implemented a wide range of sustainability initiatives including developing a Climate Action Strategy to achieve Net Zero targets by 2040, installing over 200kW of solar panels across 10 public buildings, holding water resilience workshops, and replacing printed visitor information booklets with QR codes that link to interactive online guides. Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones said: “Destination NSW congratulates Barrington Coast on achieving ECO Destination Certification—an achievement that reflects the region’s deep commitment to sustainability across environmental, cultural, and socio-economic dimensions. "By embracing global best practices, Barrington Coast is not only protecting its extraordinary natural landscapes but also strengthening local businesses’ role in sustainable tourism. "This milestone reinforces the region’s position as a premier destination for nature-based experiences in NSW, and Destination NSW is proud to support its ongoing efforts to safeguard these assets for future generations." ECO Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level assesses a region on more than 90 criteria across eight sections including Destination Management, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, and Social Wellbeing. By achieving ECO Destination Certification, the Barrington Coast joins a growing network of certified destinations in New South Wales - Bellingen Shire, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Coffs Harbour. Through Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with Green Destinations, Barrington Coast is also now part of a distinguished group of 160 certified destinations globally. Ecotourism Australia’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Myv Costelloe, is in Taree today to award Barrington Coast with their official certificate and present to key stakeholders. END Media event details: Date: Wednesday 12 February 2025 Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location: First Steps Count, 4 Myall Avenue Taree Ecotourism Australia Media Contact: Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, e: myv@ecotourism.org.au, ph: 07 3256 6777 To see all the latest news: News & Blog | Ecotourism Australia Find out more about the Barrington Coast on the Green Travel Guide.
Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance Launched by World’s Leading Travel & Tourism Certification Organisations
The world’s leading travel & tourism Certification Organisations have announced the launch of the Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance (TSCA), a registered association dedicated to fostering a global tourism industry that thrives on sustainability. With sustainability being embraced by all major industries, travel and tourism businesses are calling for simpler solutions to assist with sustainable management, attaining independent certification, and achieving continuous improvement. At the same time, the popularity of sustainability is causing a proliferation of greenwashing and targeting travellers with unsubstantiated green claims. TSCA Chairperson, Elissa Keenan said, “Our industry and travellers are demanding a transparent system of certification that can be trusted to promote the best in sustainable tourism and eliminate greenwashing. The TSCA has been incorporated by its founding members as a collaborative certification platform for the tourism industry and to ensure that travellers make informed choices based on reliable sustainability standards.” Under this new alliance, the TSCA has established a minimum sustainable tourism standard, which serves as the baseline that all members will align with. This standard, alongside independent auditing procedures ensures consistency and credibility in sustainability management. The minimum standard will continue to serve all currently certified businesses and destinations while providing a unified system to meet the growing demand for independent certification of sustainable tourism management and performance. The next steps for the TSCA will be to assist tourism businesses in satisfying the requirements of emerging consumer protection legislation, such as the upcoming EU Green Claims Directive introduced to eradicate greenwashing. To provide greater access to certification for more tourism businesses, the TSCA will continue to streamline systems and refine and align reporting standards, criteria, benchmarks, and other requirements related to certification. By growing the number of certified businesses, travel consumers will benefit from being able to purchase travel options with green credentials independently audited and supported by documented evidence. TSCA Chairperson, Elissa Keenan added, “Collectively, TSCA members are responsible for certifying more than 19,000 travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations. For over 30 years, the world’s most recognised travel brands and destinations have relied on us to provide independent and creditable certification of their sustainable practices. The trust and recognition we have built over decades, with businesses and travellers alike, is the ongoing legacy the TSCA will build on to ensure that travel & tourism remains a positive force for communities, enterprises, and the environment.” END For Media Enquiries (international):info@tourismsustainability.org tourismsustainability.org For Media Enquiries (Australia): Ecotourism Australia Media Contact: communications@ecotourism.org.au, ph: 07 3256 6777 About TSC Alliance The Tourism Sustainability Certifications Alliance is an association of leading sustainable travel and tourism certification organisations from around the world. Its founding members include Biosphere: Instituto de Turismo Responsable; Ecotourism Australia; Foundation for Environmental Education (Blue Flag and Green Key); Good Travel Seal; Green Globe Certification, Green Key Global; TourCert; Travelife for Accommodation; and Travelife for Tour Operators. For over 30 years, this group of leading internationally recognised certification organisations has been responsible for developing the industry’s best practice standards in sustainable tourism. Together, these organisations certify more than 19,000 of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies, organisations and destinations. The TSCA was formed to address best practices and improve cooperation between organisations on a global scale. Ecotourism Australia holds the inaugural chair of the TSCA. Image: (from left) Billy Bishop – Travelife for Accommodation; Daniel Schaffer – FEE; Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada – Biosphere: Instituto de Turismo Responsable; Elissa Keenan – Ecotourism Australia; Naut Kusters – Travelife for Tour Operators; Birte Pelayo – Green Globe Certification; Gary Graham – Green Key Global; Albert Salman – Good Travel Seal; Marco Giraldo – Tourcert.
Botanic Apartments Warrnambool
Self-contained accommodationWarrnambool, VICCompleted the Strive 4 Sustainability ScorecardBotanic Apartments Warrnambool offers centrally located accommodation with self-contained and serviced apartments that emphasise sustainable practices. Achieving an impressive 91 per cent on their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, the apartments demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact. Key initiatives include highly insulated rooms with double glazing, in-room recycling facilities, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, solar power generation, and EV charging stations, making them a standout choice for eco-conscious travellers. Owner-operator Linda Close first heard about the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard while attending the 2023 Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Conference, where other businesses shared that the Scorecard was a valuable tool for assessing their sustainable practices. Ecotourism Australia has over 30 years of experience in certifying tourism businesses and is a leader in the industry. The Scorecard is a pre-certification benchmarking tool, based on globally recognised sustainability criteria, that assesses your business practices and guides you as you begin your sustainability journey. “I was confident in our sustainable operations, but I was looking to have our practices assessed and verified by a respected and independent organisation,” Linda explained. Studio Apartment at Botanic Apartments Linda said, “We liked the evidence-based approach of the Scorecard and felt it provided a solid framework for assessing our sustainable practices. It encouraged us to consolidate our efforts, policies and initiatives in one place and to formalise some of our approaches into an over-arching Environmental Management Policy.” She continued by saying, “We cater to both the corporate and leisure markets. We are increasingly hearing from our corporate and leisure guests alike that they value accommodation providers that have tangible sustainable processes in place. Our corporate guests are looking to partner with other sustainable businesses for their accommodation needs. The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard has allowed us to showcase our environmentally sound practices.” Linda highly recommends the program to other businesses saying, “Participating in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard was rewarding, and we recommend it to other businesses looking to assess their sustainability practices.” Living room interior design at Botanic Apartments You can learn more about Botanic Apartments Warrnambool and book your stay here.Start your sustainability journey.
Scenic Rim region achieves globally-recognised ECO Destination Certification
The Scenic Rim region has proudly announced its achievement of ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia, underscoring its strong commitment to sustainable tourism. As the first destination to achieve certification in 2025, the Scenic Rim becomes the sixth in Queensland and the 12th in Australia to earn this prestigious recognition. Located an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana rainforests, dramatic landscapes and six National Parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, savour award-winning local produce, and experience the region’s warm hospitality. Ecotourism Australia CEO Ms Elissa Keenan congratulated Scenic Rim for achieving ECO Destination Certification. “As a hub for ecotourism, the Scenic Rim is home to iconic pioneers like Binna Burra Lodge, O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Mount Barney Lodge, and Araucaria Ecotours, alongside a further nine Ecotourism Australia-certified businesses offering exceptional sustainable experiences for eco-conscious travellers. “We are immensely proud of the Scenic Rim’s commitment to promoting responsible travel and showcasing the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and biodiversity. “This certification underscores the Scenic Rim’s dedication to implementing sustainable tourism strategies aligned with global best-practice standards. By fostering high-quality nature-based experiences and advancing sustainable destination management, the region strengthens its position as a leader in responsible tourism,” Ms Keenan said. Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said, “Tourism is one of the Scenic Rim’s most valuable industries. Achieving ECO Destination Certification reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices, creating better places for locals and visitors alike. This recognition inspires deeper appreciation and responsibility for preserving our extraordinary landscapes.” This significant milestone was led by Scenic Rim Regional Council in collaboration with local tourism operators and stakeholders. The certification process was made possible through support from the Queensland Government and WWF-Australia. The Queensland Government through the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (formerly the Department of Tourism and Sport) provided grant funding in 2023-2024 for regions across the state to undertake or complete ECO Destination Certification. Support for the program was also provided from WWF-Australia's Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund. Following the Black Summer bushfires, WWF-Australia partnered with Ecotourism Australia to help 11 bushfire-affected regions build back better through ecotourism. “This achievement would not have been possible without the strong partnership between Council and Ecotourism Australia, as well as essential funding support from both the Queensland Government and WWF Australia,” Mayor Sharp said. This certification aligns with the Queensland Government’s ambition to become a global leader in ecotourism. Certification will help the Scenic Rim leverage the growth in demand for nature-based tourism, foster job creation, and enhance community services and facilities – including leveraging the tourism opportunities of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. ECO Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level assesses a region on more than 90 criteria across eight sections including Destination Management, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, and Social Wellbeing. By achieving ECO Destination Certification, the Scenic Rim joins a global network of more than 160 destinations in 60 countries through Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with Green Destinations. END Ecotourism Australia Media Contact: Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, e: myv@ecotourism.org.au, ph: 07 3256 6777 To see all the latest news: News & Blog | Ecotourism Australia Scenic Rim Regional Council media contact: Jennifer Stockman, Principal Specialist Communication and Marketing, e: Jennifer.St@scenicrim.qld.gov.au, ph: 0400 031 285
Walking Lightly: A Greener Path with Life’s an Adventure
Life’s an Adventure is an Australian walking tour company that exemplifies ecotourism excellence. Renowned for their pack-free walking experiences, they provide unforgettable journeys through some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Guests can immerse themselves in nature while enjoying locally sourced cuisine, fine wines, and carefully curated accommodations, creating the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. As an Ecotourism Australia Certified Operator and Green Travel Leader, Life’s an Adventure has proudly maintained their ECO certification for over a decade. The company embodies responsible travel through their conservation efforts, community collaboration, and climate advocacy, and integrate eco-friendly practices across their tours, fostering sustainability through innovative initiatives. One standout initiative is the Conservation Custodians program, which invites guests to actively participate in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the regions they explore. This program offers a hands-on approach to conservation, engaging participants in activities like habitat restoration and biodiversity research, creating a meaningful connection to the environment. Developed in collaboration with land managers, Traditional Owners, scientists, and other experts, the program delivers meaningful environmental benefits while enriching the guest experience. Guides provide valuable insights into the ecosystems and cultural significance of each area, helping participants see the impact of their contributions. In 2024, the program debuted its first major project in Tasmania’s Tarkine region in collaboration with the Bookend Trust and NatureTrackers. Guests can participate in the Claws on the Line program dedicated to monitoring and protecting endangered freshwater crayfish species. They record data through the iNaturalist platform supporting vital research aimed at protecting these remarkable creatures and their habitats. Blue Freshwater Crayfish "This program addresses the growing demand for travel experiences that give back to the environment," says Company Director Mark Norek. "It’s a testament to why we’ve held Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification since 2011." Life’s an Adventure’s unwavering dedication to sustainability has positioned the company as a leader in responsible travel. Through its Conservation Custodians program, community initiatives, and advocacy for climate action, the company inspires travellers and stakeholders to embrace ecotourism as a force for positive change. You can discover more about Life’s an Adventure on the Green Travel Guide.
Why Sustainability Should Be Your Top Priority in 2025
As we enter 2025, it is evident that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a business essential. With 75% of global travellers saying they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months (Booking.com 2024 Sustainable Travel report), it’s clear that responsible travel is here to stay. Is your tourism business prepared to meet this growing demand? If not, now is the perfect time to act. Inspired by our Certified operators, here are five impactful steps you can take to make your business more sustainable in the coming year, improve your reputation, and attract more eco-friendly travellers. 1) Reduce your environmental impact: Adopt energy-efficient technologies, reduce waste, and minimise water usage to lessen your environmental impact. For example, Crystal Creek Meadows (Advanced Ecotourism and ROC Certified, Green Travel Leader) in Kangaroo Valley, NSW utilises solar panels, waste management systems, and water irrigation, while also implementing regeneration programs to enhance wildlife habitats and gardens. 2) Support Local Communities: Partner with local suppliers and engage in initiatives that give back to the community. For instance, YHA Adelaide Central (Sustainable Tourism Certified) organises “Feel Good Fridays,” where pancakes are served for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the Hutt Street Centre to aid Adelaide’s homeless community fostering a sense of social responsibility. 3) Collaborate with First Nations Communities: Connect with First Nations people in your area to respectfully integrate their cultural heritage and stories into your offerings. Take inspiration from Ayers Rock Resort (Advanced Ecotourism and ROC Certified), where responsible tourism is deeply rooted in maintaining respectful relationships with the Anangu people and their land. By working closely with Traditional Owners, the Resort has created meaningful initiatives such as Wintjiri Wiru, a drone, laser, and light show that shares a chapter of the ancestral Mala story. They also support Indigenous education, health, employment, and tourism initiatives, demonstrating how respectful collaboration can preserve cultural heritage. 4) Offer Eco-Friendly Experiences Design activities that promote nature appreciation, and minimal environmental disruption to attract eco-conscious travellers. For instance, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park (Ecotourism Certified and Green Travel Leader) in Victoria offers tours that educate visitors about endangered species and sustainable practices, encouraging responsible tourism while minimising environmental impact. 5) Educate Guests on Responsible Tourism: Share your sustainability practices with guests through clear communication. Include information about eco-friendly initiatives in your marketing materials throughout the customer journey as well as on-site. Highlight key actions like waste reduction, water conservation, and community engagement, showing visitors how they can contribute to sustainability during their stay. Wildlife Adventures Melbourne (Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Certified) has a fantastic sustainability section on their website. Check it out for inspiration. As sustainability becomes a top priority for travellers in 2025, is your business ready to meet the growing demand? Join the movement by becoming certified with Ecotourism Australia. It’s a proven way to enhance your sustainability efforts and attract eco-conscious travellers. Reach out today at eco@tourismaustralia.org.au or call 07 3256 6777 to start your certification journey and set your business up for success in the year ahead.
Ecotourism Australia 2024 Highlights
Ecotourism Australia Wishes You a Joyful Holiday Season and a Bright New Year! As 2024 comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Ecotourism Australia this year. Your commitment has helped make 2024 our most impactful year yet, with some incredible achievements that continue to advance sustainable tourism across Australia. As we near the end of 2024, here are some highlights that have made this year truly remarkable. ECO Certification Program We certified 24 new tourism businesses and celebrated 12 operators reaching Green Travel Leader status, awarded for 10 years of certification. Two operators - Paronella Park in Queensland and Scenic World Blue Mountains in NSW - were honoured with Hall of Fame status for 20 years of consistently upholding best-practice sustainability standards. Sustainable Tourism Certification Program Our Sustainable Tourism Program saw tremendous growth this year, welcoming 140 newly Certified operators, driven largely by our landmark partnership with Accor Pacific. Accor has set an ambitious goal to certify all their Australian properties with Ecotourism Australia by the end of 2025. Destination Program In 2024, we certified four new destinations, Bellingen Shire, Townsville, Gladstone Region and Capricorn Coast - who have now joined a global network of more than 400 sustainable destinations through our Green Destinations partnership. We were also thrilled to have to opportunity to showcase Australian certified destinations to an international audience at the Green Destinations Global Conference 2024 in Chilean Patagonia. Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard Our pre-certification program, the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, continues to grow with 179 new registrations in 2024. Thank you to our founding partner Tourism Australia, and industry partners Destination NSW, Visit Canberra, Tourism MidWest Victoria and the Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism and Sport (DTS) for providing valuable opportunities for businesses to begin their sustainability journey. 2024 Global Sustainability Tourism Summit This year, we proudly hosted our first Global Sustainable Tourism Summit, themed People, Planet, Place, Purpose, from 4–6 June in Meeanjin/Brisbane. The event brought together over 280 delegates and 62 speakers from across all states and territories and five countries to engage in innovative and meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities for ecotourism and sustainable tourism. Global Partners Our strategic partnerships with leading international organisations and key industry bodies continue to reinforce Ecotourism Australia’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism. This year saw our ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certification programs recognised by Travalyst, meaning certified hotels can now have their certification highlighted across global platforms including Booking.com, Google, Expedia, Trip.com, Tripadvisor, Amadeus, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Visa and Mastercard. We are proud to continue to work collaboratively with other leading global certifying bodies to ensure international best-practice standards are maintained and recognised. By working with these bodies, we promote quality management, continuous improvement and alignment with emerging consumer protection legislation, including the European Union’s Green Claims Directive. National partnerships Our national partnerships with Big Red Group, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, WWF-Australia, the Australian Tourism Export Council, Caravan Industry Association of Australia and Accommodation Australia have amplified the importance of sustainable tourism and credible certification to the broader tourism industry. Find out more about our partners here. New Board of Directors In October 2024, Ecotourism Australia held its Annual General Meeting, where we announced our new Board of Directors for 2024/25. Members elected four new Directors and re-elected one returning Director, forming the eight-person Ecotourism Australia Board. We would like to welcome our new Directors and thank our outgoing Directors. Find out more here. Making Ecotourism Australia More Accessible Ecotourism Australia has been working to make our digital collateral, including our corporate website and the Green Travel Guide more accessible. Through the QLD Government’s Boosting Accessible Tourism Experiences Grant program, we have improved our sustainability initiatives and made our visual information more inclusive and accessible for those with visual impairments or learning difficulties. This extensive process included conducting a website accessibility audit and re-developing our corporate and visitor-facing website, the Green Travel Guide.
YHA Achieves Sustainable Tourism Certification for Three Properties
YHA are today celebrating a significant achievement in sustainability with three of their properties attaining Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. YHA Sydney Harbour, YHA Port Elliot Beach House and YHA Adelaide Central have each demonstrated their strong commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles by implementing global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to become certified. "Achieving Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and community support. This certification not only differentiates us in a competitive market but also enhances our operational efficiency. By adopting sustainable practices, we are proud to offer eco-conscious travellers a responsible and enriching stay, while contributing positively to local economies and cultural preservation. Our inclusion in the Green Travel Guide further amplifies our visibility and reputation as a leader in sustainable accommodation. Our partnership with Ecotourism Australia is a win-win situation with sustainable travel the big winner.” says Paul McGrath, CEO of YHA Australia. Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan praised YHA for their exceptional commitment to sustainability. “Congratulations to YHA Sydney Harbour, YHA Port Elliot Beach House and YHA Adelaide Central for achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification. Each property has truly embraced the principles of sustainability and shown real leadership in reducing their environmental footprint and creating positive social impact. We look forward to continuing to support YHA as they aim to certify all 19 of their owned and operated properties in the next 12 months.” YHA properties showcase their commitment to sustainable tourism through a range of unique and meaningful initiatives. At YHA Sydney Harbour, The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre provides school children with hands-on learning opportunities about Australia’s largest urban archaeological site. YHA Adelaide Central runs Feel Good Fridays, where pancakes are served for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the Hutt Street Centre to aid Adelaide’s homeless community. Meanwhile, YHA Port Elliot participates annually in Earth Hour and Clean Up Australia Day, and even have their own vegetable garden and on-site compost. Research by UK-based consulting firm Bureau Veritas found that hostel-style accommodation is 82 per cent less carbon intense per bed than hotels. While shared spaces like kitchens and co-living rooms already reduce overall energy use, YHA goes a step further with many properties using solar power and rainwater tanks. Properties that obtain Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia are now able to add their certification to major online booking platforms, in recognition of the certification meeting global best-practice standards. Achieving certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key criteria across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices. To achieve global best-practice Sustainable Tourism Certification, it can take up to twelve months and includes an independent third-party audit before certification is awarded. Accommodation providers must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain certification. END Ecotourism Australia Media Contact: Myv Costelloe, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, e: myv@ecotourism.org.au, ph: 07 3256 6777 To see all the latest news: News & Blog | Ecotourism Australia 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 key 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 2000 accommodation, tours and attractions certified by Ecotourism Australia. About YHA YHA Australia is a for-purpose, membership-based organisation, providing curious travellers with low cost, quality short-stay accommodation for over 85 years. YHA’s mission is to create communities in diverse spaces and connect travellers with authentic local experiences in a sustainable way, with a purpose to create a more open and accommodating world. YHA Australia own, operate and partner with a diverse range of properties across Australia offering private and co-living accommodation with facilities like on-site pools, kitchens and open-air rooftops. They create unique, sustainable spaces with comfort in safe, welcoming environments - giving their guests the freedom to explore. From thriving city destinations to off-the-beaten-path locations, there is something for everyone - whether you live in Australia or are just visiting. Currently, YHA have a network of 49 properties across the country and are part of the global organisation Hostelling International (HI) – a network of over 3,000 unique places to stay in more than 70 countries. For more information on YHA Australia, please visit http://yha.com.au.