Rawnsley Park Station, SA
How do I get started?
Getting started on your sustainability journey is an important step towards fostering responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Whether you are a tourism operator, accommodation provider, or part of a destination management team, obtaining certification signifies a commitment to preserving natural environments, supporting local communities, and offering travellers an eco-conscious experience.
At Ecotourism Australia we aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to attain and showcase your commitment to sustainable tourism. From understanding the core principles of sustainability to implementing actionable strategies for your business operations and offering ongoing training and support. You can be assured that we will be there every step of the way.
Ecotourism Australia Certification Programs
Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs assure travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices, certified using Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised certification standards for hotels and tour operators that are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Our globally recognised Certifications for Businesses
Ecotourism Australia has two overarching business certification programs both based on international best practices and Ecotourism Australia’s standards.
ECO Certification
Designed for all nature-based and ecotourism businesses, primarily tours, accommodation, and attractions.
Sustainable Tourism Certification
Designed for all non-nature-based tourism businesses with a focus on sustainable practices.
Supporting Certification Programs
In addition to the overarching business certification programs, you may like to add a specialty certification program like Respecting Our Culture Certification or Climate Action Certification.
If you are a guide who would like to highlight your sustainable guiding skills, you can apply for Eco Guide Certification.
Respecting Our Culture Certification
Encourages the tourism industry to operate in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the living cultures of Indigenous communities.
Climate Action Certification
Encourages businesses to reduce carbon emissions and ensures they are committed to sustainable practices related to addressing climate change.
Eco Guide Certification
Recognises guides who deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible, and professional experience.
Pathway Program
Not ready to launch into a full certification, but you still want to show your commitment to sustainability? Then the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is a great place to start. The program assesses your current sustainable business practices and gives you practical guidance for improvement.
Strive 4 sustainability scorecard
Launched with founding partner Tourism Australia, the scorecard is a pathway program for any tourism business to start them on their sustainability journey.
Our globally recognised Certifications for Destinations
If you’re a destination management organisation like local government council or tourism organisation, the below programs are available to your region.
Destination Certification
Assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences within the region.
Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification
Following similar criteria used in ECO Destination Certification this program is available to all destinations (including urban) and focuses on sustainability through a whole of region commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Let’s get started!
Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard
Pathway program for any tourism business to start them on their sustainability journey.
Business Certifications
Apply for ECO Certification or Sustainable Tourism Certification.
Destination Certifications
Apply for ECO Destination or Sustainable Tourism Destination Certification.
Not a tourism-based business, but want to join our ECO Community?
You can still benefit from aligning with Ecotourism Australia by becoming a Supporter. It’s ideal for individuals, businesses or corporate organisations who are not offering a tourism experience directly but would still like to get involved in the ecotourism industry.
FAQs
Click on the frequently asked questions to find your answers. If you still have questions, contact eco@ecotourism.org.au
What is the difference between the Scorecard and Certification?
The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is a pathway program for any tourism business to start their sustainability journey. It measures where a business or tourism operator is at on their sustainability journey at a point in time.
The scorecard is not a certification or accreditation, but a benchmark with which your business can strive for sustainability. You receive a personalised report detailing the areas you are doing well in and areas for improvement, including practical advice.
If you score 50% or above you will receive a scorecard certificate with your results to display, but you will not receive a dedicated logo to use or have access to, templates or coaching sessions which are exclusive to the certification programs.
How do I know that my certification is legitimate?
As the national trusted authority in sustainable tourism, Ecotourism Australia has established the benchmarks for sustainability best practices. The certification programs were developed in consultation with multiple industry experst and are recognised globally. As part of the certification process businesses are independently audited to confirm claims operators made in their application are effectively implemented in practice. We also follow a strict compliance process when assessing for certification.
I’m interested in sustainability but don’t work in the tourism industry. Do you offer anything that could help me or my business?
Yes, you can become a Supporter. It’s ideal for individuals, businesses or corporate organisations who are not offering a tourism product or experience but would still like to get involved in the ecotourism industry.
I don’t run a nature-based tourism business. Can I still apply for certification?
If you are a business that operate in the tourism supply chain in a non-nature-based space, including hotels, attractions, tours, transport, restaurants, breweries, and more. You can still be eligible to apply for certification. The best option would be to apply for the Sustainable Tourism Certification.