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Yurt Hideaway
Glamping Accommodation Bunurong Country / Tootgarook, Victoria Completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard On the Mornington Peninsula, a bespoke glamping experience awaits guests for a romantic couple’s getaway or a rejuvenating personal retreat. Yurt Hideaway is tucked into the beachside town of Tootgarook, which allows guests to enjoy their privacy while discovering this buzzing tourist destination. Mornington Peninsula is just one hour from Melbourne and wins people over with its shallow waters, beaches, hot springs, boutiques, wineries, and restaurants. The accommodation is a genuine Mongolian yurt handmade from traditional materials. The spacious round room, private bathroom, outdoor kitchenette, and seating are down to earth, yet have a luxurious feel to them. Natural, eco-friendly products for the guests’ basic needs add to the authentic flair. After first hearing about the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard from ECO Certified operator, Wild Adventures Melbourne, Yurt Hideaway completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard to understand their sustainability activities and how they could improve. “I wanted to know how we are doing sustainability-wise. It is a strong interest of mine and I had thought of everything I could to make the space eco-friendly, but I wanted to see if there was more, we could do to improve”, explains Kelly, the owner of Yurt Hideaway. Kelly noted the Scorecard provided her with an increased understanding of sustainability in business management, including of the expectations and documentation behind tracking and maintaining high standards. Kelly describes the application process as detailed, but simple to follow as progress is easily tracked and it can be broken into multiple small sessions if needed. For Yurt Hideaway, being recognised for their sustainability efforts is important. “I am really happy with our score (and hope to improve it next time) and think the score is a really important way to communicate how sustainable our offering is.” One of the guiding principles of Yurt Hideaway is zero waste. They aim for consumables to be natural in biodegradable or compostable packaging. Suppliers and partners are selected due to their sustainability focus, ethically sourced, natural products, and being a local business. Where possible second-hand and upcycling are chosen and high-quality, long-lasting items and furnishings are purchased. Their scorecard can be found on the business's website along with their efforts in sustainability. Kelly commented on some of the sustainability initiatives they are most proud of: “The solar panels were even more beneficial than I expected when we took the time to measure them in terms of CO2 reduction. I also love that we have a connection with 15 Trees and our local MP Koalas group to supply them with trees for planting for every guest who books with us. It is a very rewarding way to give back to the local environment and community.” The Scorecard provided them with useful insights and ideas that they are keen to start implementing. Kelly would like to retake the Scorecard in the future to reflect on their improvement and guide them further on their sustainability journey! Click here to learn more about Yurt Hideaway’s sustainable efforts, and book your stay: https://yurthideaway.com.au/sustainability/ Compass Hut completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 24 January 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
Townsville region achieves globally recognised tourism sustainability certification
The Townsville region has met globally recognised sustainability standards to achieve ECO Destination Certification at the Nature Tourism level with Ecotourism Australia. Townsville is the third destination in Queensland and the ninth in Australia to become an ECO Destination, solidifying the region as a leader in sustainable ecotourism. It was funded to achieve the certification under the Queensland Government’s Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program which provided grants to councils and regional and local tourism organisations to support attainment of the high level ECO Destination Certification. Situated at the doorstep of two World Heritage Areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics, Townsville is a hub for iconic nature-based tourism experiences. The region boasts an incredible percentage of protected natural areas with 82 percent of its surface area managed to foster thriving natural values. Townsville region is also home to the popular tourist destination, Magnetic Island, and the internationally important Bowling Green Bay Ramsar Wetland. “Ecotourism Australia is pleased to award ECO Destination Certification to the Townsville region,” said Ecotourism Australia Head of Destinations and Member Services, Ms Alyssa Sanders. “Being adjacent to such remarkable environmentally and culturally significant natural wonders, it is important for, and indeed a responsibility of, the local tourism industry and all who visit and reside in Townsville to adhere to strong sustainability principles. “Townsville’s ECO Destination Certification not only inspires tourism businesses to implement responsible practices and achieve formal recognition, it also helps communicate expectations to tourists, and enhances visitor and community engagement with local sustainability initiatives.” The region is committed to boosting the sustainability of its tourism product and eight local businesses are Certified through Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised business programs. One of Townsville’s top attractions, Billabong Sanctuary, holds Advanced Ecotourism Certification and is part of Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame for more than 20 years of continuous ECO Certification. Additionally, Townsville City Council operates the Advanced Ecotourism Certified Eco Catchment Tours, providing educational and interactive tours to enhance the local community’s connection to the area’s diverse land- and coastal-scapes. The Certification application was led by Townsville City Council with collaboration from key stakeholders including Townsville Enterprise Limited, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The Council’s commitment to their community in achieving a sustainability-driven future for tourism has been clear throughout the application process. Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson said he was proud to see the region achieve ECO Destination recognition from Ecotourism Australia. “Council is incredibly proud to have worked with Ecotourism Australia, Townsville Enterprise and our other key stakeholders to secure ECO Destination Certification for our city,” Cr Thompson said. “As a Council we are continuously working to enhance our existing tourism offerings and creating new landmark tourism destinations, capitalising on our city’s position between the rainforest, wetlands and the Great Barrier Reef. “We are thrilled to have achieved ECO Destination Certification and are looking forward to seeing how tourism and hospitality businesses across Townsville go the extra mile to showcase our city well into the future.” Townsville Enterprise Limited Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, Lisa Woolfe, congratulates Townsville City Council on the collaborative approach to securing this globally recognised sustainability certification for the city. “With more than 76% of people wanting to travel sustainability, today’s announcement demonstrates Townsville's credibility on a global scale to meet current and future visitor demand.” “Townsville Enterprise is proud to have built our region’s destination brand “Townsville North Queensland - Up for Unexpected” to not only drivesustainable visitor growth but has also provided a strong foundation of research that supported the accreditation process.” “We acknowledge the significant efforts from our eight Ecotourism certified operators who have heralded this title for a number of years, and continue to pave the way for the rest of our tourism industry.” “Our region has always been at the forefront of sustainable industries, eco-tourism along with our strengths and potential in renewable energy, positions Townsville North Queensland as Australia’s most liveable green city.” Queensland is transitioning towards a sustainable visitor economy, with a vision to be recognised as a global leader in sustainability and ecotourism. Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan said that this is a major milestone reached for the region and Queensland. “Congratulations to the Townsville region on this wonderful achievement. “The region is a nature-based tourism hub with two World Heritage Areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics as it’s backyard. “This is the third destination in Queensland to become ECO Certified and it’s a testament to the dedication of the region to increase their formal sustainability credentials. “Queensland is proud to have the most ECO Certified tourism businesses in Australia, which underscores our industry’s dedication to environmentally responsible management of our stunning natural resources, while also providing visitors from across the globe the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of Queensland.” Townsville City Council was a recipient of the Queensland Government Department of Tourism and Sport’s Eco-Certified Tourism Destination Grant in 2022 to expand their destination sustainability certification. Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said this certification helped bring even more eyes to the great tourism experiences in the region like Magnetic Island. “The Queensland Government is working to position Queensland and our tourism destinations as leaders in sustainable tourism. “It is great to see Townsville has achieved ECO Destination Certification under the program which provided up to $150 000 to eligible applicants to achieve certification. “In line with Towards Tourism 2032 this program will help our tourism destinations meet a growing demand from tourists for the places they visit to prioritise low impact travel, a high quality nature based experiences and an ongoing commitment to sustainability.” ECO Destination Certification at Nature Tourism level assesses 81 criteria centred on the four pillars of sustainability: sustainable management, environmental, socio-economic and cultural. The Certification is adapted from the Green Destinations standard, which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. By becoming an ECO Destination, Townsville joins a network of more than 200 international destinations promoting sustainable management, responsible tourism, and positive socio-economic, environmental and cultural impacts. Ecotourism Australia’s Head of Destinations, Alyssa Sanders, is in Townsville today at the ECO Destination Certification Announcement event to award Townsville City Council with their official certificate and present to key stakeholders. Learn more about ECO Destination Townsville on the Green Travel Guide: https://www.greentravelguide.org/destination/townsville ENDS Media Contact: Ecotourism Australia: Georgie Snare, Communications and Events Officer, (e): georgie@ecotourism.org.au (ph): 07 3256 6777 Townsville City Council: Danaella Wivell, Senior Media Officer - Community Engagement, (e): danaella.wivell@townsville.qld.gov.au (ph): 07 4417 5108 (m): 0409 264 974
Bellingen Shire achieves prestigious ECO Destination Certification
The Bellingen Shire has received recognition for its commitment to global sustainability standards announcing they have been awarded Ecotourism Australia’s prestigious ECO Destination Certification. The region joins an elite cohort of eight Australian destinations dedicated to sustainable tourism and is the fourth in New South Wales to achieve this significant feat. Through Ecotourism Australia’s certification partner Green Destinations, Bellingen Shire is also recognised in a global network of more than 200 leading sustainable destinations. The Shire is renowned for its stunning coastal scapes, dramatic waterfalls and World Heritage-listed rainforest scenery with State Forests and National Park covering more than half of the local government area, making it a haven for ecotourism and nature-based tourism activities. Following the 2019/20 Summer Bushfires, the destination joined the certification program with support from the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia’s (WWF) Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund. With its adherence to sustainability principles, this latest ECO Destination continues to help the region build back better through ecotourism. “We congratulate Bellingen Shire on their achievement of ECO Destination Certification. This is a significant milestone on the region’s sustainability journey, and a recognition of their commitment to sustainable tourism practices,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan. “Maximising positive benefits for the community and nature through sustainable tourism experiences is a core objective of our ECO Destination Certification and we look forward to ongoing partnership with Bellingen Shire as they support their own industry to adopt sustainable tourism practices and Certification.” The Certification application was led by the Bellingen Shire Council with collaboration and support from a variety of stakeholders including Gumbaynggirr representatives, National Parks and Forestry, business chambers and the local community throughout the application process. “Today marks a significant milestone - this certification formally acknowledges our strong, well-managed commitment to sustainability and high-quality nature-based tourism,” said Bellingen Shire Mayor Cr Stephen Allan. “Council and our community are proudly focussed on sustainable tourism that benefits businesses, locals and visitors alike. This is about us asking our visitors to join us in protecting our natural treasures and honouring our cultural heritage. “We look forward to continuing the partnership with Ecotourism Australia and working with our local business community as they adopt their own sustainable tourism practices. We’re all on a continuous learning journey together.” Meeting 90 criteria to achieve the globally recognised certification at the Ecotourism level, assures travellers that the destination is genuinely committed to holistic sustainability and providing high-quality nature-based and sustainable tourism experiences within the region. “We’re pleased to see the Bellingen community placing such a strong focus on tourism experiences that are good for people and nature,” said Darren Grover, WWF-Australia’s Acting Chief Conservation Officer. “We know there are a growing number of travellers who are hungry for nature-based tourism experiences, so we must ensure this industry is made as sustainable and nature positive as possible.” "Bellingen Shire's achievement of ECO Destination Certification is a fantastic accomplishment," said Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox. "This prestigious recognition showcases their commitment to sustainable practices and positions them as a leader in ecotourism. With the addition of Bellingen Shire, NSW now has four ECO certified destinations to help meet the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences and is well-positioned to attract visitors seeking an authentic and eco-friendly adventure." The ECO Destination Certification supports nature-based tourism destinations to improve their holistic sustainability planning and development against the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, socio-economic, cultural and sustainable management, as well as encourage local business engagement in ecotourism and sustainability. 11 Bellingen Shire tourism businesses are currently undergoing the pre-certification benchmarking program Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard to measure and improve their current sustainability practices. Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan is attending the official launch event in the Bellingen region today to present the Shire’s Certification certificate and offer her congratulations. The ECO Destination Certification was developed by Ecotourism Australia using the international Green Destinations standard, which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. 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. Discover Australia’s latest ECO Destination, Bellingen Shire: https://greentravelguide.org/destination/bellingen-shire ENDS Media Contact: Ecotourism Australia: Georgie Snare, Communications and Events Officer, (e): georgie@ecotourism.org.au (ph): 07 3256 6777 Bellingen Shire Council: Gemma Steller, Communications & Engagement Lead, (e): gsteller@bellingen.nsw.gov.au (ph): 6655 7300
Compass Hut
Tiny Home Accommodation Iutruwita / Forthside, TAS Completed the Strive 4 Sustainability ScorecardNestled into the land of an organic family farm in the Northwest region of Tasmania is the 100% off-grid, boutique Tiny House accommodation, Compass Hut. In early 2019 Compass Hut was co-founded by the two sisters Kylie and Tamika Bell and is just a 10-minute drive inland from Devonport. The three tiny houses possess stunning architectural exteriors and beautiful interior design as well as furniture and artwork created by the sisters. Guests are invited to switch off and disconnect while immersing themselves in the scenery and reconnecting with each other. Guests are welcome to pick the edibles in the tiny house gardens and explore the bushland and local natural wonders during their stay. Aiming to develop their eco and sustainable tourism practices further, the business decided to take part in Ecotourism Australia's Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. “We have been keen to achieve ECO Certification through Ecotourism Australia for a while, and when we saw the opportunity to undergo the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard as a first step and pathway to full certification for Compass Hut, we signed up!”, said co-owner Kylie. A delicious wine and cheese platter awaits you with rolling green pastures in the backgroundKylie said their guests are often sustainability minded and so they wanted to build their participation in this space to better align with their visitors and current industry trends. “Undergoing the program has strengthened our knowledge of sustainability, and helped provide future ideas that we could implement at Compass Hut as well," explained Kylie. She described the program as well-structured and easy to work through, creating a strong base to build on once they engage in full ECO Certification. “Following the opportunity to undergo carbon accounting and work with ERC Australia recently, we were able to build upon our sustainability goals through the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program.” Compass Hut have a section of their webpage dedicated to their sustainability accomplishments, including their off-grid systems, involvement with community-based organisations and now their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. Overall, it is clearly communicated that sustainability is a core value of their business. Being able to share and celebrate their eco achievements, projects, and initiatives with their community and guests is very important to them. They are already doing so through their different communication channels, including a recently born newsletter for past and future guests to follow along their sustainability journey. In the future, there are plans to increase their in-house communication with guests, including the accomplishment of their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. Kylie shared the business are now setting their sights on ECO Certification as the next step on their businesses’ journey! Click here to learn more about Compass Hut’s sustainable efforts, and book your stay: www.compasshut.com.au Compass Hut completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 2 February 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
Christmas Island Tourism Association
Established in 1996, Christmas Island Tourism Association (CITA) based at the Visitor Information Centre, serves as the island's tourism hub, providing essential information and products for visitors.
11 Certified Operators Victorious at Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards has recognised 11 Ecotourism Australia Certified operators across five states with 13 awards for their commitment to tourism excellence in 2023. Of the 28 Certified finalists at the national awards, four won gold, eight were awarded silver and one claimed bronze across 10 categories, such as Ecotourism, Major Tour and Transport Operators and Hosted Accommodation. If certified operators were a state, they would have come runners-up for the highest number of winners behind only Queensland with 14 awards. Ocean Rafting Image: Ocean Rafting's Nathan Fleming, Jan Claxton and Peter Claxton with their gold award. Advanced Ecotourism Certified Fun Over 50 Holidays in Queensland took out gold in the prestigious Ecotourism category, followed by Sydney by Kayak achieving silver. For the first time, Sustainable Tourism Certified operators were recognised at the national awards with Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience awarded silver in the Tourist Attractions category. “We are proud to see 11 Certified operators achieve the top accolade in the Australian tourism industry,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan. “Our Certified operators continue to deliver the highest-quality experiences while leading the nation in best practice sustainable tourism. As their state’s and now Australia’s leading businesses of 2023, we look forward to watching their impact grow and inspire greater tourism sustainability. “Congratulations to all Ecotourism Australia certified operators that were nominated and to those that placed on Friday night’s tourism awards.” Winners are below: Gold Fun Over 50 Holidays – Ecotourism Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Major Tour and Transport Operators Ocean Rafting - Adventure Tourism BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort - Caravan & Holiday Parks Silver Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Major Tourist Attractions Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience - Tourist Attractions Sydney by Kayak – Ecotourism Fun Over 50 Holidays – Cultural Tourism Ocean Rafting - Major Tour and Transport Operators Bendleby Ranges - Adventure Tourism Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat - Hosted Accommodation Tree Chalets – Self-contained Accommodation Bronze Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach – 3-3.5 Star Accommodation
Certified Operators Head to Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
28 Ecotourism Australia Certified operators are set to shine at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards tonight at the gala award ceremony in Darwin. 26 ECO Certified and 2 Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses are finalists for 31 awards across 16 diverse categories including Major Tourist Attractions, Ecotourism, Major Tour and Transport Operators and Adventure Tourism. Notably, Ocean Rafting, Fun Over 50 Holidays and Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort are finalists across multiple award categories. Each finalist has won gold in their respective state tourism awards late last year and are now striving to take out the top acclamation in the country. Ecotourism Australia CEO, Ms Elissa Keenan, stated, “Tourism businesses certified at world’s best practice sustainability standards continue to demonstrate they are among the highest-quality experiences in Australia and it is commendable to see them recognised at the national level. “Significantly, 2023 is the first time Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses are recognised at the national level since the launch of the program in 2022 enabling operators that meet global sustainability standards to excel in new categories such as business events. “We congratulate each nominated business on their finalist achievement and wish our certified operators the best of luck for the night.” Finalists are below: 1. Major Tourist Attractions Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary QLD Monarto Safari Park SA 2. Tourist Attractions Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience QLD Willie Creek Pearl Farm WA 5. Ecotourism Sydney by Kayak NSW Trek Larapinta NT Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD The Big Duck Boat Tours SA Tasmanian Walking Company TAS Parks Victoria – Grampians Peaks Trail VIC Live Ningaloo WA 6. Cultural Tourism Fun Over 50 Holidays – Immersive Tours and Adventures QLD 7. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Tourism Experience Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience NSW Wintjiri Wiru NT 10. Business Event Venues Sofitel Brisbane Central QLD 11. Major Tour & Transport Operators Moonshadow-TQC Cruises NSW AAT Kings NT Ocean Rafting QLD Pennicott Wilderness Journeys TAS 12. Tour & Transport Operators Vision Walks – Eco Tours NSW 13. Adventure Tourism World Expeditions | Australian Walking Holidays NT Ocean Rafting QLD Bendleby Ranges SA 15. Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge NT Sea World Cruises QLD 17. Caravan & Holiday Parks BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort QLD 18. Hosted Accommodation Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat QLD 19. Unique Accommodation Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat NSW 20. Self Contained Accommodation Tree Chalets WA 21. 3-3.5 Star Accommodation Magnums Accommodation Airlie Beach QLD 26. Excellence in Accessible Tourism BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort QLD
Contained in Nimbin
Self-Contained CottagesBundajalung Country / Nimbin, New South WalesCompleted the Strive 4 Sustainability ScorecardIdeally located just three kilometres from the unique and eclectic village of Nimbin, Contained in Nimbin Accommodation offers a peaceful and comfortable retreat for travellers seeking a mix of nature-immersion and luxury.The two self-contained cottages are sustainably built using a unique, non-traditional construction method from recycled Grade A shipping containers. Guests can enjoy private access to Goolmangar Creek and the surrounding ten-acre self-sustaining permaculture farm that the cottages are nestled on. Contained in Nimbin follows an eco-mindset, implementing a number of measures to improve the business’ sustainability measures and its guest experience. Aiming to reduce its impact on the environment, the business decided to take the path to sustainability with Ecotourism Australia's Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard in partnership with Destination NSW. “The opportunity to benchmark our business and gauge our current sustainability practices against recognised standards was too valuable to pass up. This initiative allowed us to assess and validate our current sustainability efforts but also to identify areas for improvement and innovation,” said owner Nicole. Before completing the Scorecard, Nicole had completed a 14 month course in Sustainable Operations to ensure a solid sustainability foundation for Contained In Nimbin’s practices. Despite this, she recognised there are always ways to improve and that the sustainability journey is never complete. “There is always room for more innovation and improvement, pushing us to explore new ways to enhance our practices and hopefully, one day, lead by example in the sustainability and eco-tourism arena.” The Scorecard helped Contained in Nimbin understand how to improve their tourism best practices in all aspects. “One of the most surprising learnings was the breadth and depth of sustainable practices that can be implemented across all aspects of a hospitality business”. Constant guidance and feedback during the application process was critical in advancing their knowledge of new opportunities and strategies. “Based on the feedback and suggestions we received, it has inspired us to explore new strategies and initiatives to enhance our sustainability efforts further. The program's detailed feedback has been instrumental in helping us identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in our sustainability practices.” Their efforts aim to significantly reduce their environmental footprint while serving as a model for responsible resource management. The business is very proud of its green initiatives, such as developing and implementing a Cultural Action Plan, 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. The importance of communicating with and educating guests on their sustainability efforts was a key outcome of the Scorecard for Contained In Nimbin. As a result, they plan to share their practices and Scorecard results on their website and social media as well as through on-site engagement with visitors. Eventually, the business intends to continue developing their sustainability commitment by taking the next step to Ecotourism Australia Certification. “We think progressing to certification would be a natural and beneficial next step for our business. It would validate our ongoing efforts on a recognised and respected platform and would help provide us with a structured framework for continuous improvement. We place a lot of strategic value on a formal recognition of our sustainability practices.” Click here to learn more about Contained in Nimbin’s sustainability efforts and book a stay: https://www.containedinnimbin.com.au/ Contained in Nimbin Accommodation completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 15 January 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
NSW Central Coast wins global green award in Berlin for growing a sustainable tourism industry
The Central Coast in New South Wales has won First Place in the global Green Destinations Story Awards at the world’s leading travel trade show ITB Berlin on Wednesday 6 March. The annual awards are presented to the most inspiring sustainable tourism initiatives submitted across six categories, with the Central Coast receiving the top accolade in the Destination Management category today. The NSW Central Coast was the only Australian certified ECO Destination recognised on the international stage at ITB Berlin 2024. By winning this competition, the Central Coast has been confirmed as one of the regions leading the way for sustainable tourism on a global scale. The 2024 Green Destinations Story Awards official ceremony showcased a diverse range of good practice stories from tourism destinations around the world. Central Coast Council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer said this incredible recognition on the international stage represents the undeniable progress we have made growing our ecotourism destination since 2021. “Taking home this award is testament not only to Council’s ability to lead tourism management for the region, but to the commitment from our local industry who are taking up the mantle and leading with sustainability in their tourism offerings,” Mr Farmer said. Central Coast Council's winning Sustainability Story submission focused on the region's commitment to building an ecotourism community known as 'Eco Advocates'. Central Coast’s winning Good Practice Story under the Destination Management category, titled ‘A Destination of Eco Advocates with Whales, Alpacas and Wheels’ received high praise from the judges. Chief Executive of Ecotourism Australia, Elissa Keenan congratulated Central Coast Council for taking out first place at the world’s most prestigious sustainable destination awards ceremony. “The Council has worked tirelessly over many years to achieve ongoing global best-practice sustainable destination standards and support their local tourism industry on their own sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia’s Certifications and Programs. Their winning story is a testament to the whole region’s commitment to sustainability and is an inspirational model for other Australian and international destinations to grow sustainability from the ground up,” Ms Keenan said. Central Coast Administrator Rik Hart said the win is a real testament to Council’s support and investment in the tourism sector on the Central Coast. “Our investment is being reflected in visitor numbers - for the year ending June 2023 in comparison to June 2022, total domestic visitor numbers have increased by 52.3% with 5,946,000 domestic visitors to the Central Coast. “Council’s destination marketing and management initiatives have also resulted in winning accolades and major awards over the last few years, including this current global win, but equally significantly, Council’s support has also helped grow local business, economic growth and jobs in the sector. “I want to congratulate everyone involved in helping achieve this outstanding global award,” Mr Hart said. The Central Coast has been a consistent finalist in the Top 100 Sustainability Stories competition for the last three years, recognising the region’s ongoing commitment to sustainable destination management best practice led by Central Coast Council, in partnership with the local tourism industry. The Central Coast became Australia’s third certified ECO Destination in 2022, as part of a commitment to grow sustainable tourism practices in destination management and promote world-class nature-based experiences. END About ITB Berlin ITB Berlin 2024 takes place from Tuesday, five to Thursday, 7 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under the heading ‘Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism Together’, leading speakers from business, science and politics will discuss the industry’s current and future challenges on four stages with a total of 17 themed tracks and more than 24,000 attendees. About the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories is an annual competition that collects and celebrates initiatives from Destinations globally, inspiring responsible tourism leadership. The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories has run annually since 2014, celebrating and promoting 100 destinations as inspiring examples for other destinations, tour operators and visitors. Good Practice Stories selected to the annual Top 100 list combines good practice elements with the power of storytelling. Participating destinations also have to self-report on the Green Destinations Core Criteria, showing their compliance with the basics of sustainability performance, which provides a unique opportunity for a first step towards sustainability recognition. Every year, Green Destinations' jury of experts select the most excellent stories from the Top 100 list to be nominated for the Green Destinations Story Awards, celebrated by ITB Berlin. Visit the Central Coast’s dedicated destination website to find out more.
Why Caravan and Holiday Parks are Turning to Sustainability
Australians love caravanning and camping. It is affordable, family-friendly and often a convenient and relaxing way to experience the unique and stunning natural environments of Australia. It’s no surprise it’s one of our favourite holiday types, in 2022 Australians spent more than 60.9 million nights on caravan and camping trips. Caravan and holiday parks are frequently the gateway to our regions and nature-based tourism operators, and Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) are on a mission to make the sector more sustainable by partnering with Ecotourism Australia to provide a sustainable tourism pathway for their members. Chief Executive Officer of CIAA, Stuart Lamont says “This partnership is key to support the industry sector. Caravanning and camping have immense potential to be part of the growing responsible travel movement in Australia and lead regional small to medium-sized business toward innovative sustainability.” While, implementing sustainable practices can be challenging, the reward is well worth the time and effort. By making efforts to improve your sustainability, you can strengthen your business’ resilience in times of crisis, create a more positive image of your business and meet the growing demand for sustainable tourism accommodation and experiences. Reports show that visitors want sustainable options now more than ever; one Expedia report even found that three in five travellers chose environmentally friendly lodging in recent years. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ and indeed it is now a ‘must have’ for all tourism businesses. It just makes good business sense. We asked some ECO Certified caravan parks to share why sustainability is important to them and how it has helped their business to thrive. Here’s what they said: Townsville Eco Resort Having owned the park since 2014, Martin and Fiona Lidgett saw the value of implementing sustainable practices early on and the park is now a leader in sustainable tourism. Implementing numerous initiatives across areas of water, waste and energy have led to direct cost savings for the business: Water reduction and re-use policies has resulted in no toilet taxes and reduced development infrastructure costs. Installation of 19.8 kw of solar in 2018 has saved them up to $4k a month in electricity bills. Their innovative introduction of white roofs across all their built infrastructure helps cool the park and reduce their energy usage. Incredibly, they’ve seen an increase in wildlife that inhabits the park, creating unforgettable experiences for their guests as a result of their environmental initiatives. Increased collaboration with Caravanning Queensland, their regional tourism organisation, Townsville Enterprise, and the Townsville City Council has enabled them to build their industry network and get involved with local initiatives. They have also achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification with Ecotourism Australia and waste and energy stars from CCIQ Ecobiz in recognition of their sustainability efforts. Fiona says all of these initiatives have enabled them to obtain dramatic financial savings and greater resilience during weather events to remain operational. Fiona’s top tip: You don’t have to be perfect from the beginning. Start small and build on that over time. Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort Based within the Great Barrier Reef region, Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort owner Greg McKinnon understands the importance of protecting the area’s ecosystems. Their sustainability messaging flows through the entire business, and they’ve found customers notice this. Greg’s first piece of advice for businesses new to sustainability is to develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). This helped their business identify and measure sustainable activities, inform their core messaging and business strategies, and achieve buy-in from staff. His second piece of advice is to look at all your business activities and developments with a lens of sustainability. There are so many options which meet both financial and environmental requirements if you do the research. For example, in December 2022, the resort switched from individual cabin bathroom amenities to refillable pump stations, diverting 19,536 single use plastic containers from landfill – a significant financial and environmental saving. Finally, making a positive impact can be innovative and fun! They’ve introduced food scrap buckets in their kitchens, so guests can feed the furry friends at the resort’s Animal Park. This simple action has the dual benefit of reducing food waste and creating a positive guest experience. Advancing and promoting their sustainability measures and ECO Certification has helped to attract visitors to the resort and appropriate messaging helps guests make a positive impact. Greg’s top tip: Personalise your activities to your region and business, there’s no one way to do sustainability and your approach may be different to others. Are you a member of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and want to start your sustainability journey? Ecotourism Australia can help you get started with the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard and our range of Certifications. CIAA members that start their journey with the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard before progressing to Certification are eligible for an exclusive Certification discount. Contact us today for more information. Interested to learn more about sustainable tourism and what it means for your business? Join us at the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit in Brisbane on 4-6 June. References: Caravan Industry Association of Australia