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Extra Divers Australia
Marine/ Water-based toursChristmas Island / Western AustraliaCompleted the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard Extra Divers Australia is not only diving into the breathtaking waters of Christmas Island, but also diving deep to set the sustainability standard for the island.Since opening in 2016, this locally managed business has made it its mission to provide unforgettable marine experiences while deeply caring for the environment. In 2024, Extra Divers became the second business on Christmas Island to successfully complete Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. “Being one of the first few businesses on Christmas Island to undertake this process makes us very proud,” says David Watchorn, Director and Manager of Extra Divers Australia Completing the scorecard reflects their commitment to sustainable practices, focusing on key sustainable principles such as sustainable management, and environmental, socio-economic, and cultural impacts. The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is a pre-certification program for businesses to assess their sustainability efforts and sets a solid foundation for global standard certification. “Being assessed by independent auditors ensures that our policies and procedures are reviewed properly. It is one thing to say you are doing something, but by having outside organisations assess us, we can ensure that we are heading in the right direction. Undertaking the scorecard, enables us to establish where we are as a business on Christmas Island.” One of Extra Divers' commitments to sustainable tourism is to educate visitors about the unique ecosystems surrounding Christmas Island. With over 200 coral species and a rich diversity of marine life, including endemic fish and majestic sharks, the team at Extra Divers takes great care to ensure that visitors understand the importance of protecting these beautiful habitats. “Christmas Island’s tourism is small, with only 3,000 visitors a year. The nature and marine park areas surrounding the island are of utmost importance to us and we want to ensure our operations are sustainable within them as much as possible. We hope that future visitors to the island choose eco-conscious businesses to ensure their visit is eco-friendly and sustainable.” The team at Extra Divers actively promotes the preservation of these delicate dive sites, featuring stunning reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and vibrant coral gardens, ensuring that every excursion is an opportunity to witness the beauty of the ocean. Inclusivity is incredibly important to Extra Divers. The team is trained to assist divers with special needs, ensuring that guests feel welcome and supported as much as possible. Their enthusiastic commitment demonstrates that sustainable tourism is not only possible but also enjoyable for everyone. “Now we have a scorecard that has been independently assessed, we will look to improve our credentials. We have a benchmark to improve on, and hope other businesses on Christmas Island, including our competitors undertake this journey to ensure Christmas Island’s sustainability. Extra Divers Australia looks forward to supporting the Tourism Industry on the island and ensuring it has a sustainable future,” says David. For travellers seeking an adventure that respects and celebrates nature, Extra Divers provides opportunities to dive into the heart of the ocean while showcasing sustainable practices that protect our marine environment. Extra Divers completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard as part of the Ocean Territories Marine Parks Grant program, funded by Parks Australia and in collaboration with Ecotourism Australia, the University of Queensland and the Christmas Island Tourism Association. Visit our IOT webpage here to find out more about the grant and how you can get involved. Extra Divers Australia completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 19 July 2024 and is a snapshot of their current sustainability practices. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.Start your sustainability journey.POWERED BYFOUNDING PARTNER
Meet 10 NSW businesses that have completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard through Destination NSW
Ecotourism Australia is proud to partner with Destination NSW to provide eligible NSW visitor economy businesses fully funded access to the pre-certification benchmark program, Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. The program helps businesses assess their current sustainability performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and ideally progress to ECO or Sustainable Tourism Certification to formally recognise their sustainability commitment. The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is part of the NSW First Program, delivered by Destination NSW to assist businesses such as breweries, wineries, restaurants, attractions, tours and accommodation providers across the state, to develop, promote and sell great visitor experiences. There are 68 businesses who have successfully completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. Several of these have advanced their sustainability journey by obtaining, or actively working towards, certification through Ecotourism Australia’s ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certification programs. Here are some NSW-based businesses who have completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard with the support from Destination NSW: Balloon Aloft - Hunter Valley, Camden Valley and Byron Bay, NSW Balloon Aloft is a family-owned and operated business committed to providing sustainable and accessible ballooning experiences for all adventurers. Demonstrating their strong commitment to sustainability, Balloon Aloft became the first operator in Australia to progress from completing the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard to achieving Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised Sustainable Tourism Certification. Read more about Balloon Aloft here. Image: Balloon Aloft, Hunter Valley. Credit: Destination NSW 2. Cape Byron Kayaks - Byron Bay, NSW Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike, Cape Byron Kayaks offers unforgettable kayaking experiences in one of Australia's most picturesque locations. For nearly 30 years, Cape Byron Kayaks has operated under the philosophy of 'take only memories, leave not even footprints’ and has gone on to achieve ECO Certification after completing the Scorecard program. Find Cape Byron Kayaks on the Green Travel Guide here. Image: Cape Byron Kayaks, Byron Bay. Credit: Destination NSW 3. Bandicoot Pottery – Cobargo, NSW Offering a variety of workshops for enthusiasts of all ages, Bandicoot Pottery encourages guests to express their imagination, experiences and thoughts through pottery. As the first business funded by Destination NSW to complete the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, Bandicoot Pottery remains committed to ongoing sustainability improvements, including the local sourcing of 'wild' clay and the reclamation and reuse of old clay and packaging materials. Read more about Bandicoot Pottery here. Image: Bandicoot Pottery, Cobargo. 4. Brokenwood Wines – Pokolbin, NSW As a leading 5-star winery of the Hunter Valley, Brokenwood Wines is dedicated to creating excellent wines and offering memorable visitor experiences. Brokenwood Wines saw the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard as an opportunity to showcase its sustainability achievements and highlight areas for growth for the benefit of its visitors and the broader community. Read more about Brokenwood Wines here. Image: Brokenwood Wines, Pokolbin. Credit: Time Out 5. Arts Factory Lodge - Byron Bay, NSW Created in the 1970s by an eclectic group of self-proclaimed hippies and artists, Arts Factory Lodge is considered by some to be the birthplace of Byron Bay’s spirit and character. Arts Factory Lodge joined the program to gain an insight into where they are on their sustainability journey. Using the scorecard results, they have since improved their sustainability practices by implementing an energy monitoring process, which allows them to track and manage their energy consumption more effectively. Read more about Arts Factory Lodge here. Image: Arts Factory Lodge, Byron Bay 6. Contained in Nimbin – Nimbin, NSW Offering a peaceful and comfortable retreat for visitors seeking a mix of nature immersion and luxury, Contained in Nimbin used the feedback and suggestions provided by the scorecard to identify opportunities to improve and innovate their sustainability practices. Some of their green initiatives include regenerating an acre of riparian zone on their property, obtaining Wires Rescue Accreditation, as well as focusing on achieving a circular system with their water and waste management systems. Read more about Contained in Nimbin here. Image: Contained in Nimbin, Nimbin. Credit: Lismore City Council 7. Beachcomber Holiday Park - Potato Point, NSW Located near Eurobodalla National Park surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, Beachcomber Holiday Park participated in the program to ensure they are protecting the natural environment they depend on. Thanks to the program, Beachcomber Holiday Park realised that more energy and resources needed to be directed toward educating their team, guests, and local community on the importance of becoming more sustainable as a collective. Read more about Beachcomber Holiday Park here. Image: Beachcomber Holiday Park, Potato Point. Credit: Ocean View Photography 8. Canyonleigh Retreat – Canyonleigh, NSW Nestled in the serene village of Canyonleigh, Canyonleigh Retreat offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the Southern Highlands. Dedicated to sustainable practices and reducing their carbon footprint, Canyonleigh Retreat completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard and continue to embed sustainability into every facet of their operations, including the organic and sustainable cultivation of fruits and vegetables on their working farm. Read more about Canyonleigh Retreat here. Image: Canyonleigh Retreat, Canyonleigh 9. Green Pedal Cycles - Echuca Moama, NSW Discover Echuca Moama in a unique and exciting way with Green Pedal Cycles' guided e-bike tours. The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program prompted Green Pedal Cycles to consider aspects of their business through a different lens. “We have now further developed our written policies and procedures, and our website now provides customers information about our sustainability commitment and initiatives,” said Suzanna Barry, Co-Founder of Green Pedal Cycles. Find out more about Green Pedal Cycles here. Image: Green Pedal bike tour, Campaspe River, Echuca Moama 10. Forster Dive Centre – Tuncurry, NSW Specialised in small group diving and snorkelling tours, Forster Dive Centre’s passion for diving goes hand-in-hand with its dedication to protecting the underwater world. Forster Dive Centre completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard and continues to implement sustainable business practices to better protect the ocean including, organising regular clean-up dives and investing in high-quality, eco-friendly dive equipment. Find out more about Forster Dive Centre here. Image: Forster Dive Centre Double Boat Dive tour, Tuncurry Applications for eligible NSW visitor economy businesses to participate in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program are still open, but spaces are filling fast. Find out more about the program here: https://ecotourism.org.au/sustainability/businesses/strive-4-sustainability-scorecard/nsw/
World Tourism Day 2024: “Tourism and Peace”
A Journey toward a More Harmonious and Peaceful World through Sustainable Travel Celebrated annually on September 27, World Tourism Day is more than a celebration of travel; it serves as an important moment to reflect on the impacts tourism has on our society - creating jobs, contributing to economic growth, connecting communities, and reducing poverty. Additionally, tourism encourages cultural understanding and social and environmental sustainability, which can help create a more harmonious society. This year's World Tourism Day 2024 theme by UN Tourism is “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting the potential of the tourism sector as a mechanism for positive impacts on global peace. Sustainable tourism practices foster the inclusion of local communities and economies in the tourism sector, while preserving of natural and cultural resources. This theme resonates deeply with the core values of Ecotourism Australia, which advocates for sustainable tourism practices that protect our natural environment while enriching communities. Partnering with strategic allies is essential for advancing sustainability in the tourism industry and across the visitor economy to drive benefits for businesses committed to sustainable practices. By aligning with key strategic partners, we leverage collective expertise and resources to address complex challenges and drive positive change. In collaboration with the University of Queensland and Christmas Island Tourism Association, and thanks to Parks Australia funding we have made significant strides with the Indian Ocean Territories Marine Parks Grant, a multi-year grant program, which began in July 2023 and runs through until 31 May 2025. The project focuses on bolstering tourism capacity and sustainability in the Indian Ocean Territories by educating local operators on the four pillars of sustainability. We have developed a comprehensive toolkit that highlights local examples and provides practical guidance to inspire sustainable practices for local tourism operators. Support and subsidies have been provided to operators on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to facilitate their participation in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program and progress toward global standard certifications. To date, we have conducted on-the-ground workshops and one-on-one information sessions, directly assisting six operators with capacity building and mentoring efforts. This initiative aims to ensure responsible tourism growth and enhance the local economy through sustainable practices. Ecotourism Australia actively supports sustainability and community-driven initiatives within the tourism industry. In collaboration with the Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance (KITA), we created the Island Guardians Toolkit, designed to help local businesses embrace the principles of "island guardianship." This toolkit not only encourages eco-friendly practices but also aims to amplify these efforts by sharing them with a wider audience through the Island Guardians program. Launching today on World Tourism Day, the Island Guardians initiative will be part of the global Travel Beyond campaign, joining a larger movement of 100 destinations collaborating to tackle key environmental challenges. As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, we recognise the crucial role of sustainable and responsible tourism in fostering a more peaceful world and sustainable practices that enhance our travel experience and create a more harmonious world.
Scenic World
Tourist AttractionBlue Mountains / ColomattaHall of FameCombining a range of enticing attractions with a strong commitment to sustainability, Scenic World, located in the breathtaking Blue Mountains of New South Wales, serves as a model for responsible tourism in a World Heritage-listed destination. Scenic World offers iconic experiences that immerse visitors in the region's natural beauty. The Scenic Railway, known as the world’s steepest railway, transports visitors deep into the Jamison Valley to explore the rainforests while minimising the environmental impact of visitor access. In June 2024, Scenic World celebrated a significant milestone by achieving Hall of Fame status for maintaining ECO Certification for 20 years, demonstrating their exceptional dedication to sustainable tourism. Ecotourism Australia has certified over 2,000 tours, attractions, and accommodations across Australia. While more than half of its Australian members have maintained their certification for over a decade, only 11% have achieved Hall of Fame status, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability in their ecotourism efforts. Anthea Hammon, Managing Director of Scenic World, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Our Advanced Ecotourism Certification pushes us to always do better, be better and think better about protecting the incredible environment we are surrounded by and to continually improve and evolve our sustainability efforts. And, because we welcome over a million visitors every year, we are especially proud to have reached 20 years of Advanced Ecotourism Certification, something we do not take for granted.” Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program offers operators essential tools for business development, empowering them to showcase their commitment to sustainability. It promotes ongoing accountability for long-term sustainability goals through regular audits and reporting that align with global standards for sustainable tourism, covering aspects like business sustainability and environmental, social, and cultural impacts. As an outstanding leader in nature-based tourism, with Advanced Ecotourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia, Scenic World emphasises energy efficiency in its Scenic Railway and Cableway operations. A significant upgrade to the Skyway in 2017 enhanced its capacity while maintaining energy consumption, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Scenic World also utilises solar power to reduce its carbon footprint, with 350 solar panels offsetting approximately 120 tonnes of CO2 annually - equivalent to removing 25 cars from the road. Waste management is a key focus; the facility uses a Pulpmaster system to sustainably manage organic waste, diverting around 50 tonnes from landfill each year for composting. All food packaging on this World Heritage site is either biodegradable or compostable. Additionally, Scenic World prioritises partnerships and community engagement by collaborating with the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute to support local conservation initiatives, including wildlife monitoring and archaeological surveys. By successfully integrating iconic attractions and continuously improving sustainability practices, Scenic World offers a guilt-free visitor experience while contributing to the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To discover more about Scenic World, you can find them on the Green Travel Guide.
Recognised by Travalyst for Leadership in Sustainable Tourism
Ecotourism Australia has been formally recognised by Travalyst, a global initiative dedicated to providing sustainability information that helps travellers make more informed and responsible choices. Following independent review, both Ecotourism Australia’s ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certifications will be included in Travalyst’s list of compliant sustainability certifications for accommodation providers. This initiative supports credible certifications through the evolving legislative landscape whilst providing consistency across travel booking platforms. Joining 49 other organisations worldwide, this recognition underscores Ecotourism Australia’s global standing as a recognised and credible sustainable tourism certification body. “Being formally recognised by Travalyst for our ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certification standards is a testament to the dedication we have put into developing our global best-practice standards, including developing the world’s first national ecotourism certification, and our tourism operators who have undertaken our certification program. “We focus on driving continuous improvement and ensuring our ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certifications continue to be recognised globally. We are pleased to be part of this global movement making sustainability information more accessible to the tourism industry,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan. Travalyst partners with leading brands like Booking.com, Amadeus, Expedia Group, Google, Mastercard, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group and Visa to integrate sustainability information into mainstream platforms, empowering travellers to make informed decisions. “This association enhances global visibility for our Certified operators, helping them build trust with eco-conscious consumers and connecting them with a growing audience of responsible travellers," added Ms Keenan. This collaborative approach is key to mainstreaming sustainable travel solutions across the tourism industry and addressing the growing demand for sustainable travel. According to Booking.com 76% of travellers want to travel more sustainably over the coming year, however almost half of these travellers (44%), say they do not know how to find or book a sustainable tourism experience. Expedia Group report notes 7 out of 10 feel overwhelmed by where to start. Travalyst is a not-for-profit coalition, founded in 2019 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, of some of the biggest brands in travel and technology including Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, Mastercard, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group and Visa. The coalition works pre-competitively to bring sustainability information to the mainstream to help people make more informed travel choices. Ecotourism Australia has more than 200 Certified accommodation providers holding ECO or Sustainable Tourism Certification and a further 200 accommodation providers currently undergoing certification. You can discover all our Certified accommodations and experiences in the Green Travel Guide. END IMAGES: Click HERE to download a selection of hotel images. Media contacts: Ecotourism Australia – Jillian Santry, Communications and Events Officer e: communications@ecotourism.org.au ph: 07 3256 6777
Accor celebrates 100th hotel to be Sustainable Tourism Certified
Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, has reached a major milestone on its sustainability journey with the Sustainable Tourism Certification of its 100th hotel in Australia by Ecotourism Australia. This milestone brings Accor closer to its goal of having 100% of its network across the Pacific region achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification by the end of 2025. The 100 hotels, resorts and apartments from all states and territories across Australia have each demonstrated their strong commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles, implementing global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to achieve certification. "Just over a year after announcing our partnership with Ecotourism Australia, we have proudly reached the significant milestone of 100 Sustainable Tourism Certified hotels across the country, with Novotel Sydney City Centre being the landmark 100th certification," said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams. “This achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. "Sustainable Tourism Certification not only enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of our hotels but also boosts operational excellence and revenue generation. This achievement aligns perfectly with the expectations of today's travellers and our corporate clients, who increasingly seek responsible options and prefer hotels with third-party sustainable certifications. “We will continue to strive for excellence in sustainability and set new benchmarks for the industry.” Of the 100 certified hotels, 30% are strategically located in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne, making them particularly well-suited to meet the sustainability and business needs of Accor’s corporate clientele. Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer Ms Elissa Keenan said the commitment by Accor was significant. “Ecotourism Australia is proud to partner with Accor Pacific in support of its ambition to certify all Australian properties with our world-class Sustainable Tourism Certification. “Achieving Certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key indicators across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices. It can take up to twelve months and includes an independent third-party audit before Certification is awarded. Hotels must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain Certification. “Accor continues to demonstrate their industry leadership through commitment to authentic sustainability, drawing on Ecotourism Australia’s 30 years’ experience upholding globally recognised sustainable tourism standards. “We are pleased to see Accor Pacific are making significant commitment to, and progress on achieving their goal to certify every hotel in the world and reaching this incredible milestone in our region. “It has been remarkable witnessing each of the hundred properties take up the challenge and demonstrate spirited enthusiasm toward their certification, implementing a range of creative and impactful solutions to sustainability challenges. “Ecotourism Australia looks forward to continuing to support Accor and its properties on their sustainability journey.” From luxury to economy, Accor operates 19 international brands across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/. Visit ALL.com END IMAGES: Click HERE to download a selection of hotel images. Media contacts: Ecotourism Australia – Jillian Santry, Communications and Events Officer e: communications@ecotourism.org.au ph: 07 3256 6777 Accor – Naomi Hammond, Director of PR & Communications – Pacific e: naomi.hammond@accor.com ph: 0434 738 380 Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, over 5,700 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or 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. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and 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.
Paronella Park
Tourist AttractionMena CreekHall of FameBlending historical glory with modern sustainability – Paronella Park in Queensland, Australia is a demonstration of passionate and visionary sustainable stewardship.Founded by José Paronella in the 1930s, this unique destination has evolved into a shining example of eco-friendly tourism, nestled within 14 acres of lush tropical rainforest in Queensland. José Paronella’s ambitious dream transformed the rainforest into a mesmerising garden with castles, tunnels, fountains, and bridges, all powered by its own hydroelectric system. Since its opening in 1935, the park has showcased both its natural beauty and the vision of sustainable practices. Today, Mark and Judy Evans who took over ownership in 1993 continue this legacy, preserving and enhancing the park’s unique features. “José Paronella was an ecotourism pioneer who used discarded cane train tracks to stabilise his buildings and planted 7,500 trees, ensuring they would remain for future generations. The park was powered by Queensland’s first privately owned hydroelectric system, which he continued to use even after grid power arrived. Inspired by his work, we’ve created a Landscape Master Plan for an adjoining property with Sensory Gardens, a Plant Maze, Bush Tucker plants, and formal rainforest plantings,” says Judy Evans, Director of Paronella Park. In 2024, Paronella Park celebrated 20 years of ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia and achieved Hall of Fame status, setting as an example of how historical and natural attractions can embrace sustainability while offering exceptional visitor experiences. Judy says, “Sustainability is core to our survival as a business. Ongoing stabilisation of the infrastructure, and maintenance of the grounds, means the story of the founder, José Paronella, lives on.” Ecotourism Australia has certified more than 2,000 tours, attractions and accommodation experiences across the country. While more than half our Australian members have been certified for over 10 years, only 11% have achieved Hall of Fame status demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability as a core component of their ecotourism businesses. Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program standards provide operators with key business development tools equipping them to champion their dedication to sustainability. It ensures continuous accountability towards long-term sustainability goals through regular auditing and reporting against global standard sustainable tourism criteria including business sustainability, environmental, social and cultural impacts. Adopting sustainable tourism practices not only helps to meet customer expectations but also ensures your business has a greater positive impact on the local environment and community. Paronella Park offers various visitor experiences that highlight its natural and historical beauty while promoting sustainability. Day tours explore the park’s history and architecture, and evening tours feature floodlighting powered by the hydroelectric system, showcasing sustainable energy use. They also practice comprehensive waste management and conservation to protect local wildlife and plant life, with educational tours raising visitor awareness. Judy adds, “Eco initiatives underpin all our operations procedures, grounds maintenance, and building preservation processes. Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle is our mantra. We encourage guests to recycle used items, and have relevant bins in multiple locations, explaining what they are for. We also mention to guests that we are Eco Certified and explain what this means. This provides us with a vehicle to inform our guests.” For a blend of history, natural beauty, and sustainability, Paronella Park’s Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame legacy journey highlights innovative approaches that enhance the park’s appeal and contribute to responsible tourism. To discover more about Paronella Park you can find them on the Green Travel Guide: Paronella Park | Green Travel Guide
Firescreek Botanical Winery recognised in a nation-wide first
Firescreek Botanical Winery in the Central Coast region of New South Wales has become Australia’s first ECO Certified winery experience. This recognition by Ecotourism Australia underscores Firescreek Botanical Winery’s commitment to globally recognised best-practice standards and highlights their leadership in eco and sustainable tourism. Based in a certified ECO Destination, this achievement illustrates a region wide effort to meet the increasing expectation of best-practice sustainable tourism experiences. “We are incredibly proud to receive this ecotourism certification,” said Nadia O’Connell, Owner of Firescreek Botanical Winery. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our passion for protecting the environment. We believe that by practicing sustainable agriculture and following permaculture principles, we can create a positive impact on our community and inspire others to do the same.” Ecotourism Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Elissa Keenan, congratulated Firescreek on this achievement. “Firescreek Botanical Winery is the first winery in Australia to be awarded ECO Certification. Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, she said.” “This milestone not only highlights the national leadership as the first ECO certified winery in Australia but also reinforces the Central Coast’s status as a committed ECO Certified Destination.” ECO Tourism Certification assesses businesses, through third party auditing, against Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised ecotourism standard across the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impact and sustainable business operations. Firescreek Botanical Winery practices organic farming, avoiding synthetic chemicals and pesticides to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Integrating permaculture principles, the winery creates a resilient agricultural system that enhances soil fertility, conserves water and supports local wildlife. Guided tours at the winery educate visitors about sustainable farming and organic agriculture, reflecting the winery’s dedication to eco-conscious practices. This achievement was supported by Destination Central Coast’s award-winning ‘Eco Advocate’ industry incentive program, delivered in partnership with Ecotourism Australia to drive understanding of sustainable tourism principles across the entire region’s visitor economy. Explore Firescreek Botanical Winery on the Green Travel Guide for more information: Firescreek Botanical Winery | Green Travel Guide END Ecotourism Australia Media Contact: Jillian Santry, Communications and Events Officer, e: communications@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 the ecotourism industry in Australia through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. We are recognised as the credible, national peak body for sustainable and nature-based tourism in Australia. Our foundational program – ECO Certification – was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program. We have more than 2,000 certified experiences in our ECO, Sustainable Tourism, Climate Action, and Respecting Our Culture Certifications. Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs, including the new Sustainable Tourism Certification, are acknowledged and recognised globally. We have a consumer-facing website that features every Sustainable Tourism Certified operator, ECO certified operator, and certified ECO certified Destination in Australia: https://greentravelguide.org The ECO Destination Certification was developed by Ecotourism Australia using the international Green Destinations standard. The Certification assesses a region across the four pillars of sustainability and the destination must pass an on-site audit conducted by a third-party auditor before Certification can be granted. In late 2022, a new Sustainable Tourism program was launched including a pre-certification benchmarking tool in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard with founding partner Tourism Australia to support the broader tourism industry to demonstrate their commitment to, and be recognised for, the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, financial/business, and socio-economic impact. Ecotourism Australia has global partnerships, working with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Green Destinations (an international organisation for sustainable destination development); and key partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region including with WWF-Australia, Parks Australia and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
2024 Hall of Fame & Green Travel Leaders Announced
Two of Australia’s leading nature-based tourism businesses Scenic World in Sydney’s Blue Mountains and Paronella Park in tropical North Queensland, have been inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame this month, recognised for maintaining ECO Certification for 20 years. The new inductees join an esteemed group of 57 other ECO certified businesses in the Hall of Fame. This year a further 12 other ECO Certified tourism businesses have been honoured as ‘Green Travel Leaders’ for their 10 years of certification. Ecotourism Australia CEO Ms Elissa Keenan praised these operators for their exceptional dedication and accomplishments over many years. “I congratulate Scenic World and Paronella Park for reaching Ecotourism Australia’s prestigious Hall of Fame. They have established their reputation as leaders in eco and sustainable tourism practices by maintaining 20 years of ECO Certification.” “Achieving Hall of Fame recognition celebrates certified tourism businesses ongoing dedication to global best practice sustainability standards. These businesses are at the forefront of world-leading sustainability, and I look forward to witnessing their ongoing innovation and leadership in eco and sustainable tourism,” she said “Similarly, our Green Travel Leaders, recognised for a decade of ECO Certification, deserve commendation for their ongoing commitment to strong environmental, social and cultural management practices.” Ecotourism Australia has certified more than 2,000 tours, attractions and accommodation experiences across the country. While more than half our Australian members have been certified for over 10 years, only 11% have achieved Hall of Fame status demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability as a core component of their ecotourism businesses. “At Ecotourism Australia, we proudly acknowledge our 30-year legacy of working with tourism operators and the broader industry. As the pioneering organisation to develop a national ECO Certification program, we are delighted to recognise our long-standing operators for their exceptional contributions,” Ms Keenan said. Anthea Hammon, Managing Director, Scenic World awarded Hall of Fame in 2024 said, “Our Advanced Ecotourism certification pushes us to always do better, be better and think better about protecting the incredible environment we are surrounded by and to continually improve and evolve our sustainability efforts. And, because we welcome over a million visitors every year, we are especially proud to have reached 20 years of Advanced Ecotourism Certification, something we do not take for granted.” Kayla Ousley, Education & Experiences Manager, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, recognised as a Green Travel Leader in 2024 said, “Being a certified operator with Ecotourism Australia is important to Lone Pine for many reasons. The certification and auditing process help us evaluate the systems we have in place and challenges us to continue to improve and expand our sustainability initiatives. Holding the certification also helps us communicate to our team and our visitors that we prioritise sustainability as a business and shows our commitment to creating a better future not only for wildlife, but for humankind.” All operators certified by Ecotourism Australia are featured on the Green Travel Guide. The Green Travel Guide allows travellers to find over 2,000 certified and sustainable experiences across Australia and book directly with operators. More travellers are seeking authentic, sustainable experiences backed by respected certification. Our globally recognised certification assures visitors they have chosen a tourism experience committed to strong business sustainability and positive environmental, social, and cultural impacts. Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program standards provide operators with key business development tools equipping them to champion their dedication to sustainability. It ensures continuous accountability towards long-term sustainability goals through regular auditing and reporting against global standard sustainable tourism criteria including business sustainability, environmental, social and cultural impacts. Hall of Fame 2024 Paronella Park Scenic World Green Travel Leaders 2024 Big Mama Sailing Catninga Charter 1 Kingfisher Tours Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Mt. Nancar Wilderness Retreat Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat Ningaloo Discovery North Marine Pindan Tours & 4WD Training TreeTop Challenge Tweed Eco Cruises END Media contact: Ecotourism Australia – Jillian Santry, Communications and Events Officer e: communications@ecotourism.org.au ph: 07 3256 6777
Geotourism Forum
Cobbold Gorge, QLDGeotourism ForumThe Geotourism Forum was launched by Ecotourism Australia at the 2013 Global Eco Asia Pacific Conference. It is a grouping of enthusiastic Ecotourism Australia members who are working to 'add value' to Australia’s nature-based tourism offering. The main purpose of the Geotourism Forum is to advise how best geotourism can be promoted and to further Ecotourism Australia’s interest in inspiring environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism. Membership of the Geotourism Forum is open, at no additional cost, to any members of Ecotourism Australia who are interested in finding out more about geotourism or who have product offerings that are rich in landscape and geology features, all of which enhances visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment. Landscape and geology underpins almost all of a destination’s natural features and visitors are increasingly keen to learn about this distinctive part of the environment.Links to Thrive 2030The recently released THRIVE 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy (Action 7.5) of the Australian Government states ‘Grow and develop high-quality products and experiences around unique Australian locations and themes, including approaches which integrate sustainable nature tourism with economic opportunities for Traditional Owners, and capitalising on emerging tourism trends such as geotourism.’BenefitsJoining the Geotourism Forum include the following benefits. Becoming part of a networked grouping dedicated to the development and advocacy of sustainable geotourism with emerging links overseas, particularly in the Asia-Pacific Region including Indonesia, China, and New Zealand. The opportunity to contribute to geotourism policy development activity, particularly relating to the formulation through Ecotourism Australia of contributions to the National Geotourism Strategy (recently branded as Geotourism Australia) launched in April 2021 by the Australian Geoscience Council. The opportunity to be engaged in any designated Forum work plan activity through participation by joining Dr Ronda Green of Araucaria Ecotours and Chair of Wildlife Tourism Australia (also representing Ecotourism Australia) in a National Geotourism Strategy working group.• Through another working group, the opportunity to learn about new digital technologies that capture and interpret information about natural and cultural heritage. The opportunity to participate in the LinkedIn Discussion Group - Australian Geotourism Development, a group which now comprises over 850 members. Access to information concerning the latest publications and global and regional geopark network conferences relating to geotourism. More InformationFor more information about geotourism and various exciting projects that are now emerging around Australia, please refer to the Geotourism Australia resource centre. For more information about the Forum or if you are already a member of Ecotourism Australia and would like to join the Geotourism Forum, please contact the Ecotourism Australia office at eco@ecotourism.org.au or call 07 3256 6777. If you would like to learn more about GeoRegions, Geotourism, Geotrails, and Geoparks as a tourism development opportunity for Regional Australia, you will find further information here.If you would like to become part of the Geotourism Forum but are not a member of Ecotourism Australia yet, register now here..