Yearly Archives: 2021

It takes dedication and passion to pave the way for a sustainable future. By beginning their ECO Certification journey, tourism operators can ensure they are putting in place effective and ethical sustainability practices for the longevity of their operation and the conservation of the natural environment. Here are the tourism operators who completed their criteria and achieved certification in November 2021!

Mon Repos Turtles Centre (Bundaberg North Burnett Region, QLD)

Queensland’s popular turtle hatching center is making waves in the ecotourism industry.

In an outstanding pledge to sustainability in ecotourism, Mon Repos Turtle Centre in the Bundaberg North Burnett Region of Queensland has achieved three levels of ECO Certification with Ecotourism Australia.

Completing criteria for Advanced Ecotourism, Respecting Our Culture and Climate Action Business certifications, Mon Repos Turtle Centre is one of only 20 tourism businesses in Australia to hold all three Ecotourism Australia certifications.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre is the perfect school holiday trip for curious kids who love to learn about our unique marine life. There is no better time that now, at the beginning of turtle hatching season, to catch a glimpse into the turtle nesting cycle on their Turtle Encounters Tour, or visit the marine research interactive theatre display and test your sea turtle knowledge at the Turtle Centre.

Don’t miss out this turtle season! Book now.

Jetty Dive Centre (North Coast Region, ECO Destination Coffs Coast, NSW)

ECO Certification celebrations were shared as Jetty Dive Centre achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification alongside their destination, Coffs Coast, who achieved ECO Destination Certification!

Coffs Coast is championing nature-based ecotourism in their region and is now home to six ECO certified companies just like Jetty Dive Centre.

Jetty Dive Centre is your key to experiencing the unique marine environment of the Solitary Islands Marine Park in New South Wales. Whether you prefer whale watching and eco tours from the comfort of a boat, or diving into an Open Water Scuba Diver Course with scuba diving experts, Jetty Dive Centre can cater to any experience.

This month, Jetty Dive Centre celebrated their 25th year of operating in the Coffs Coast – a testament to their expertise in creating memorable holidays! Owned by Mike and Deb Davey since 1996, the business started by operating a single charter boat and has since flourished into a successful dive centre.

See for yourself! Visit their Instagram and Facebook for the latest.

Saltwater Eco Tours (Sunshine Coast Region, QLD)

Our latest ECO certified operator welcomes you on board the vessel ‘Spray of the Coral Coast’, a beautifully restored 113-year-old timber sailing boat that has seen many adventures!

Saltwater Eco Tours in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Region achieved Ecotourism Certification and Respecting Our Culture Certification, offering tours along Mooloolah River that immerse their guests in Indigenous culture, maritime history and live music for the journey.

Sustainability is embedded in their business practices – and in your ticket. For each ticket sold, Saltwater Eco Tours donates $1.50 to the Southern Ocean Carbon Company to offset their already low carbon emissions and become carbon neutral. Donations are in the trusted hands of the Southern Ocean Carbon Company whose mission is to actively fight climate change by planting seaweed; a plant that grows incredibly quickly with great carbon sequestration potential.

Saltwater Eco Tours is the first tourism company of its kind in the region and hosts occasions from wedding celebrations to casual weekend outings. Discover them on their Facebook and Instagram!

 [Images: Mon Repos Turtles Centre, Jetty Dive Centre, Saltwater Eco Tours]

Driven by purpose, tourism and hospitality marketing and communications agency Helm have one goal; to help businesses and destinations discover their own purpose-driven mission.

Ecotourism Australia welcomes Helm to the family as our latest business member!

Helm use their extensive knowledge of the tourism and hospitality industries to bring business branding to life. Having a presence in Sydney (Warrang), Melbourne (Naarm), and Brisbane (Meanjin), Helm offer their services to like-minded tourism and hospitality businesses. Their expertise in brand development, market representation, public relations, and marketing and communications, is backed by a combined 30+ years of marketing and public relations experience from its cofounders Rachel Jones and Andrew Cavallaro.

Bound by a shared ethos for meaningful and purpose-driven messaging, Rachel and Andrew decided to blaze a trail for brand building that fore fronted social and environmental consciousness. Though launching recently, Helm has shaped brands for companies internationally such as UNESCO, UNWTO, and destination management company Essential Japan Travel.

But they don’t just encourage change. Helm create change. For every job they invoice, Helm will support Reforest Now by planting 10 trees.

Follow their Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up to date or contact Rachel and Andrew here.