Support Ecotourism Accredited Operators:
Want to help the environment while you are on holidays? The Ecotourism Australia certification program allows responsible travel consumers to be able to easily identify operators who are committed to ensuring their products are environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially and culturally responsible.
The Eco Certification logo means that you are guaranteed to experience a genuine and authentic tour, attraction or accommodation that looks after the environment. The Eco Certification program has been developed in Australia by Ecotourism Australia and is now being exported to the rest of the world as the International Ecotourism Standard. Ecotourism Australia is the peak national body for Australia’s ecotourism industry. Formed in 1991 and an incorporated, non-profit organisation it has developed and manages the Ecotourism and EcoGuide certification programs.
Ecotourism Australia defines Nature and Ecotourism as: ‘Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation’.
Those operators whose tour, attraction or accommodation meet and comply with the core criteria of the Ecotourism Australia Eco program and receive certification can genuinely claim to provide an authentic ecotourism or nature tourism experience. The certification process is supported by an assessment process, three yearly review and audits of operators to ensure the rigorous credibility of the program is maintained. Environmental benefits flow from improved practices that lead to fewer negative environmental and cultural impacts.
You can identify eco certified operators and their level of certification by the eco certification tick logos, which may be used only alongside products that have gained certification.
Nature Tourism – Eco certified: Tourism in a natural area that leaves minimal impact on the environment.
Ecotourism – Eco certified: Tourism in a natural area that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator who uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities.
Advanced Ecotourism – Eco certified: Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
Eco Certified Tourism: is the generic logo and is used by companies whose products have multiple levels of certification achieved.
