Western River, Kangaroo Island, SA. Credit: Tourism Australia
Getting started on your ECO Certification journey
The ECO Certification program is a world first and has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators. It’s designed for tours, accommodations, and attractions with a nature-focus to their visitor experience.
There are three levels of ECO Certification:
Nature Tourism – Tourism in natural areas that leaves minimal impact on the environment.
Ecotourism – Tourism in a natural area that focuses on optimal resources use, leaves minimal impact on the environment, and offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with operators that use resources wisely, contribute to conserving the environment and help local communities.
Advanced Ecotourism – Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products that operate with minimal impact on the environment and provide opportunities to learn about the environment with operators who are committed to achieving best practice, using resources wisely, contributing to conserving the environment and helping local communities.
You don’t need to decide which level to apply for straight away. Once you have applied for certification you will get access to all levels in the portal, making it easier to decide as you go through the application process. You can also speak to one of our certification specialists who will be happy to guide you.
Why ECO Certification is a smart move for your business?
ECO Certification is a way for your tourism business to receive official recognition for meeting global standards, best environmental and professional practices.
Undertaking certification enhances the sustainability of your business, focusing on product development. It encourages you to implement and maintain high standard practices that will help you, your staff, and the destination plan for the long term. All ECO certified tourism operators are listed on the Green Travel Guide and promoted by Ecotourism Australia through advocacy in communications and marketing activities. Certification also offers networking opportunities with diverse industry stakeholders.
As the program is endorsed by different government authorities, you can gain access to government grants and promotion, as well as other marketing initiatives such as visiting journalists showcasing those who are making a difference. Depending on where you operate, you may have the opportunity to apply for and obtain longer permits and licences for operations within protected areas and parks.
Ecotourism Australia’s online search engine showcasing all our certified tourism operators and destinations.
Each operator receives a free listing with an opportunity to upgrade to a premium listing to maximise their reach.
What are the benefits to becoming certified?
ECO Certification is a business development tool that enables you to improve the sustainability of your business across every aspect of the triple bottom line, using global best practice criteria. It assures travellers that products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high quality nature-based tourism experiences.
1.
Business development and training
Certification is a business development tool. By becoming certified,
you get access to:
- Specialised resources and business documentation templates
- Fact sheets, hints, and tips on how to improve your business
- Business coaching with certification experts
- Regular audits and reviews from our independent third-party auditors
- Access to free webinars or discounted training with industry experts
- Dedicated online portal, so you can keep tracking your progress.
- Benchmarking through our ReviewPro partnership
2.
Credibility
By becoming certified, you also become part of an international community of globally acknowledged certified operators and destinations.
- Our programs are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
- We provide independent, third-party verification of your sustainability efforts
- We actively prevent greenwashing
3.
Recognition
When you become certified, you receive access to:
- Certification logos and certificates to display in your facilities, vessels, website, and marketing collateral
- A free listing on the Green Travel Guide
- Extended permits in many protected areas
- Official recognition of your certification on your Google and Booking.com listings*
- Recognition of certification on the ATEC Trade Ready checklist for international buyers- Access to special offers through our industry partners
- Marketing and promotion through our digital and social channels.
*Refer to our ECO Certification FAQ’s at the bottom of this page for more details regarding our industry partners and the benefits associated.
4.
Community
Once you’re certified, you’re part of our family. We advocate for you, and connect you to:
- Our member network of 500+ passionate, likeminded operators and stakeholders
- International buyers and stakeholders at the Australian Tourism Exchange and Global Sustainable Tourism Summit
- Access to the ECO Community Portal so you can connect and interact with other certified operators.
Is ECO Certification the best suited program for me?
To be eligible to apply for ECO Certification can you answer YES to all the following questions:
- Most of the customer’s activity time is spent within a natural area or with a focus on the natural or cultural values of the area.
- The products you wish to certify help customers experience nature directly and personally and do so in a sustainable manner.
- You have obtained all necessary operating licenses, permits and approvals from the relevant authority and understand these will be verified as part of your application.
- You commit to and meet Ecotourism Australia’s Business Ethics practices.
- Your operation consistently meets customer service expectations and has defined customer service procedures.
- You have a commitment to delivering a quality tourism experience.
- Economic, social, and environmental sustainability principles are core to your operation.
ECO Certification is product-specific— this means that you need to answer the criteria as it applies specifically to each of your products. This also means you can apply for ECO Certification even if not all your products are nature-based.
What are the costs associated with certification?
Annual certification fees are based on the size of your business. This is calculated based on the number of rooms (for accommodations only) or full-time employees (FTE) for all other businesses.
Annual fee for ECO Certification
| Price Tier | FTE | Rooms | Annual Fee* (excl GST) | Annual fee* (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | <2 | 1-2 | $950 | $1,045 |
| Small | 3-10 | 3-24 | $1,250 | $1,375 |
| Medium | 11-50 | 25-99 | $1,700 | $1,870 |
| Large | 51-100 | 100-249 | $2,350 | $2,585 |
| Enterprise | 100+ | 250+ | $2,950 | $3,245 |
*Certification fees are current from 01 July 2024. Fees will be reviewed annually and may be subject to change. Please note the annual certification fee does not include independent audit and associated audit travel costs which occur upon completion of the initial application and every three years thereafter.
Register for ECO Certification today!
For tours, accommodations, and attractions with a nature-focus to their visitor experience.
What should I expect when applying for ECO Certification?
The program is broken down into 8 sections. Applicants need to answer a selection of questions based around the following:
-
- Business management and operational planning
- Responsible marketing
- Customer satisfaction
- Environmental management
- Interpretation and education
- Contribution to conservation
- Working with local communities
- Cultural respect and sensitivity
When applying for certification, Ecotourism Australia requires evidence of business sustainability planning. This gives applicants an opportunity to recognise pre-existing, develop new and implement appropriate management planning. Depending on the level of certification you wish to achieve, you will need to provide the following supporting documents listed below.
Nature Tourism, Ecotourism & Advanced Ecotourism Tourism
Business Plan
Marketing Plan
Operational Plan
Environmental Management Plan
Understanding your involvement
Completing your certification application takes time. You will have 12 months to submit your application, but it’s important to allocate enough time and resources to complete all criteria and submit required documentation. This varies for each business and can take anywhere from one to two months up to one year.
Pathway to your ECO Certification
1.
Thanks for taking the next step on your sustainability journey. First you need to register and pay your annual certification fee here:
2.
Receive a confirmation email, follow the instructions, and get started on your application! Applicants start with a self-assessment of their business and operations. Ecotourism Australia provides resources, templates and free coaching* to support applicants.
*Please note: Ecotourism Australia certification coaches provide generic sustainability information and technical support throughout the application. Ecotourism Australia does not offer any form of consulting to ensure fully independent third-party certification and assurance processes.
3.
Submit your completed application! Your Certification Coach will conduct an internal review to ensure the application is complete. We proceed with obtaining compliance/referee checks and send your application to an independent, third-party auditor who will review your application and schedule a suitable time for your compliance audit.
4.
An independent, third-party audit will be conducted by a qualified auditor to assess compliance against the certification standard. Once the business has been audited and satisfied all requirements, certification is granted.
5.
Regular compliance audits will be conducted every three years and are a mandatory component for all certified businesses.
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.
Case Study
Untamed Escapes
From deepening connections to the environment to engaging in conservation, responsible tourism has always been the crux of Hassie’s mission. But through the team’s incredible efforts, they realised they weren’t platforming their eco credentials well enough.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
FAQs
Click on the frequently asked questions to find your answers. If you still have questions, contact eco@ecotourism.org.au
How do I know if I am ready to apply for certification?
Consider the below to help you decide if you are ready for certification.
Does your business:
CARE: The business is looking after the natural environment and reducing their impact on sensitive areas.
DISCOVER: You’re taking guests to discover and explore the world’s best sustainable tourism destinations, iconic locations, and unforgettable natural landscapes
LEARN: Guides and staff offer captivating interpretation and education to guests about the environment they’re experiencing and how to protect it
CONSERVE: They’re making real contributions to the conservation of our environment and wildlife.
REDUCE: You’re reducing your operational emissions and carbon footprint and teaching guests to reduce theirs
PROTECT: You’re leaving no trace, and are protecting our unique wildlife and endangered species
SUPPORT: The business is supporting and engaging their local community and local businesses
RESPECT: Your business is helping to preserve Australian Indigenous cultures & guarantee their stories are shared with respect & sensitivity
EXPERIENCE: Providing an unforgettable quality guest experience and allowing guests to connect with the natural environment
Alternatively, if you have previously completed a Strive for Sustainability Scorecard, scored well in key areas, and feel comfortable to apply for certification, we would encourage you to do so. If you are still unsure speak with your scorecard coach for recommended next steps.
How much does it cost to become certified?
Refer to the Costing Matrix for all program costs.
| Price Tier | FTE | Rooms | Annual Fee* (excl GST) | Annual fee* (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | <2 | 1-2 | $950 | $1,045 |
| Small | 3-10 | 3-24 | $1,250 | $1,375 |
| Medium | 11-50 | 25-99 | $1,700 | $1,870 |
| Large | 51-100 | 100-249 | $2,350 | $2,585 |
| Enterprise | 100+ | 250+ | $2,950 | $3,245 |
How difficult is it to apply for certification? How long should it take?
You will have up to 12 months to complete your application before your next annual fee is due.
How long it takes and how much work is involved in the application process depends on several factors:
- The size and complexity of your business
- Where you are at on your sustainability journey
- Do you have business management documents and procedures already in place?
- Is there a team of people working on the application or just one person collating all the information
- Are you able to put time aside to dedicate to your application or do you need to fit it in between all the demands of running your business
The online portal itself is straight forward and user friendly. There is information under the guidance tab as well as templates and examples which are a great resource for you. Our coaches are available by phone, e mail or Teams meeting to assist you in any way you need.
How long does my certification last?
Once you have attained certification you will be required to pay an annual fee at the beginning of each financial year to retain certification. Every third year an onsite audit (additional cost) will be conducted to ensure you remain committed to the agreed terms of your certification.
What are Ecotourism Australia's compliance and auditing standards?
Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs have stringent independent auditing processes to ensure the certified operators continue to operate at appropriate standards that meet certification standards.
Ensuring all certified operators undergo regular independent third-party audits is a critical feature of our certification programs. Operators applying for certification will have an audit upon completing of the application before we can grant certification. After that, every operator gets audited every 3 years by a qualified independent auditor.
The auditor will inspect the place of work to confirm that claims made within the application and documentation are effectively implemented in practice and also speaks with key staff members about their certification in practice. If an operator is not meeting certification standards at the time of any audit, they will need to complete mandatory corrective actions within a specific time frame. In cases of non-compliance, Ecotourism Australia can suspend cancel certification.
We value and take seriously any complaints or feedback about certified operators and their activities and have a formal complaints process in place which is publicly available on the Ecotourism Australia website (Feedback and Complaints section of our terms and conditions). Any concerns raised, directly or indirectly to Ecotourism Australia are treated as a formal complaint and investigated accordingly. Operators are required to respond to allegations and provide evidence regarding the certification criteria that has been questioned. The operator may also be required to undergo an additional onsite audit process by an independent auditor to investigate claims made.
Can I apply for more than one certification at the same time?
If you are applying for ECO Certification you can also apply for Respecting Our Culture or Climate Action Certification at the same time. There are additional costs associated with these supporting programs.
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.
What is the difference between ECO Certification and Sustainable Tourism Certification?
ECO Certification was developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators. It’s designed for tours, accommodations and attractions with a nature focus to their visitor experience. Whereas Sustainable Tourism Certification was designed for all businesses that operate in the tourism supply chain in a non-nature-based space, including hotels, attractions, tours, transport, restaurants, breweries, and more.
What’s the difference between the levels of certification?
There are three levels of ECO Certification:
Nature Tourism – Tourism in natural areas that leaves minimal impact on the environment.
Ecotourism – Tourism in a natural area that focuses on optimal resources use, leaves minimal impact on the environment, and offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with operators that use resources wisely, contribute to conserving the environment and help local communities.
Advanced Ecotourism – Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products that operate with minimal impact on the environment and provide opportunities to learn about the environment with operators who are committed to achieving best practice, using resources wisely, contributing to conserving the environment and helping local communities.
You don’t need to decide which level to apply for straight away. Once you have applied for certification you will get access to all levels in the portal, making it easier to decide as you go through the application process. You can also speak to one of our sustainability specialists who will be happy to guide you.
What happens after my business is certified?
Once you are certified, we will send you your certificate and marketing material so you can proudly display your achievement.
Every year on the anniversary of your certification you will need to pay your renewal fee and send us your completed annual declaration stating that you are still committed to the agreed terms of your certification.
An audit is initially completed to grant certification and then conducted every three years thereafter. To keep your certification up-to-date and to facilitate the audit process we require your documentation to be updated annually.
Industry recognition of ECO Certification and the benefits associated:
Eligibility: ECO certified hotels
Benefits: Google is introducing a way for certified hotel owners to highlight their sustainability practices to environmentally conscious consumers. ECO Certification is one of only 29 certification programs worldwide that was approved by Google. You can add your ECO Certification to your Google business listing. Click here for more info.
Booking.com
Eligibility: ECO certified accommodation providers (incl. caravan parks, B&Bs etc)
Benefits: According to Booking.com research, 73% of travellers say they would be more likely to book a property with sustainability practices in place. ECO certified accommodations listed on Booking.com now display the Sustainable Travel Badge – an easy way for travellers to identify sustainable properties.
Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)
Eligibility: ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certified operators and businesses.
Benefits: ATDW is Australia’s online marketplace for tourism information, assisting tourism operators and businesses to improve their digital presence and supporting over 50,000 tourism profiles. ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses with an ATDW listing can display their certification on their listing.
Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)
Eligibility: ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certified businesses.
Benefits: ECO Certification is the only certification program that is recognised by ATEC. Complete the Tourism Trade Checklist as a certified business to showcase your certification on the ATEC Seller Directory to international buyers.
Big Red Group
Eligibility: ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certified operators and businesses.
Benefits: Big Red Group is the largest marketplace of experiences in Australia and New Zealand and home to leading brands including Adrenaline, Experience Oz, Experience Oz Local Agent, and RedBalloon. ECO and Sustainable Tourism Certified operators with a Big Red Group listing can display their certifications to help eco-conscious travellers find and book with your business.
Ecotourism Australia & QTIC Partnership
Eligibility: ECO, ROC, or Climate Action certified operators based in Queensland
Benefits: Under this agreement, the cross recognition between programs means you are eligible to redeem accreditation through the Quality Tourism Accredited Business (QTAB) program through QTIC at no additional cost, and take advantage of the program’s valuable benefits including free ReviewPro access, automatic eligibility for nomination in the QLD Tourism Awards, and many more.