Certified ECO Destinations - Success Stories of Ecotourism Australia

Congratulations to Port Douglas and Daintree (Queensland), Coffs Coast (New South Wales), Central Coast (New South Wales), and Augusta Margaret River (Western Australia) for achieving ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia. The achievement is a big step forward by Ecotourism Australia in providing a framework for a continued commitment to sustainability, which will lead to Australia becoming a more sustainable travel destination.

The partnership between Ecotourism Australia and Green Destinations since 2018 ensures that Ecotourism Australia's criteria and procedures for ECO Destination Certification align well with international standards defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Ecotourism Australia is one of the founding members of the Green Destinations Global Leaders network; the cooperation provides that the certified Australian destinations enjoy global outreach opportunities by connecting with a nexus of tourism stakeholders certified by Green Destinations. Elissa Keenan, Ecotourism Australia CEO, in a recent Media Release on LinkedIn, quoted,

"ECO Destination Certification is a whole-of-destination commitment, assuring travellers that these regions are on a journey of constant improvement in their sustainability practices, as well as providing high-quality nature-based experiences for visitors.”

Glance through the good practices of all the Australian regions with ECO Destination Certification below:

Port Douglas and Daintree, Queensland

Port Douglas and Daintree became a certified ECO Destination in 2019 for their persistent efforts to protect marine life. Not only did the region incite locals to participate in regular beach clean-ups, but it also encouraged using clean, renewable energies to make the island responsive to sustainability. Additionally, effective carrying capacity strategies helped the destination reduce the impact on its resources while allowing the visitors to get the best on-site experiences. Curious to learn more about the good practices adopted by the region? Read the full story here.

Coffs Coast, New South Wales

Coffs Coast became a certified ECO Destination in 2021. The destination's outlook suggested that certification could only be possible when all businesses, organisations, and individuals came together and promoted the region as a genuine ECO Destination. Cooperation with locals and regional tourism actors was the catalyst for developing the image of an eco-destination; Coff Coast looks forward to committing to a sustainable path in partnership with WWF Australia. Intrigued? Get to know more about Coffs Coast here.

Central Coast, New South Wales

Central Coast became a certified ECO Destination in 2022, thanks to its consistent efforts in transforming its marketing image. It repositioned from the status of an external regional tourism organisation to a local tourism one, with key promotional efforts focusing on nature-based experiences. Eventually, the region is now attracting more domestic travellers interested in experiencing the natural aspects of the Central Coast. Get further insights into the good practices of the destination here.

Augusta Margaret River, Western Australia

The Augusta Margaret River became a certified ECO Destination in 2022, thanks to its persistent actions toward the upliftment of the local community. Tourism had negatively impacted the local biodiversity; the regional council voted to support a Climate Action Summit - to determine the course of the conservation actions. It allowed the community to formulate an adequate Climate Action Plan for all ages and demographics with an intent to foster sustainable destination management in the region. Curious to discover more about the Augusta Margaret River? Refer to the link here.

Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia, further described her gratification with the recently certified destinations, Central Coast (New South Wales) and Augusta Margaret River (Western Australia), and expressed, 

"We are delighted to see these two beautiful destinations achieve this significant milestone, and we recognise the amount of work that the local council, regional tourism organisation and community have undertaken to receive their certification.”

Green Destinations looks forward to continuing the long-term partnership with Ecotourism Australia and wishes them all the best with their future endeavours. 

Curious to dive deeper into the world of sustainable tourism? Intend to read more good practice stories? → Visit our website www.greendestinations.org & subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates from the world of sustainable tourism and destination management!