Category Archives: News

The Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference, the premier event of Ecotourism Australia, will be held 1-3 December 2020 in Margaret River, Western Australia. Now in its 28th year, it’s no coincidence that Global Eco attracts the world’s leading ecotourism operators, protected area managers and tourism professionals.

[
Photo: Cape to Cape Explorer Tours]

The spectacular Margaret River Region welcomes travellers from around the world like no other destination in Australia. A pleasant three-hour drive south of Perth, Western Australia’s premier holiday region offers a unique range of pristine natural attractions, premium wineries and craft breweries, fine restaurants, handmade arts & crafts, unspoiled beaches, towering karri forests and friendly locals. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean maritime climate, the four seasons are gently defined in this relaxed and soulful corner of the country.

        [Photo: Forest Rise Eco Retreat]

Margaret River is the name of a river, a town and a region. The region has an extensive coastline with 110 kilometres of beaches, bays and rocky points. The Margaret River region comprises rural countryside, sandy beaches, native forests and national parks. It’s this diversity which has put the region on the map.

[Photo: Right Foot Forward WA]

See the list below for Margaret River and Busselton Region ECO certified tourism operators and accommodation providers to check out while you are in the area!

Margaret River:

Busselton:

Cover image: Busselton Jetty

Ten of Australia’s leading nature-based tourism businesses were inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame this month, recognised for being ECO certified for 20 years.

The new inductees join 25 other ecotourism businesses in the Hall of Fame. 

Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman acknowledged this year’s awardees as some of Australia’s leading operators in ecotourism. “Their longevity and continued success, particularly in light of unprecedented industry challenges, is testament to their innovative spirits, continued commitment to sustainable business practices, and dedication to benefiting the communities and environments in which they operate,” he said.

Owners of Hall of Fame business Cruise Maroochy, Kate and Denis proudly referred to their 20 years of ECO certification as a “badge of honour”. 

”While 2020 has been a hard, we are now busy introducing brand new ECO cruises to a captivated domestic market,” she said. Kate emphasised the importance of Cruise Maroochy’s ECO certification in proving quality and authenticity to locals and travellers alike. 

Moonshadow Cruises Business Operations Manager James Mcarthur highlighted the importance of their ecotourism credentials.

“The public have become so much more aware and informed on environmental issues and it is a privilege to be able to educate people through ecotourism,” he said. “The desire for more nature-based products has increased exponentially over the years and I believe it will continue to become more prominent in the future. We look forward to being a part of that growth.” 

When asked how their business values align with their ECO certification, Araucaria Ecotours owner Ronda Green highlighted “nature appreciation, education, conservation, and the protection of biodiversity” as primary business motives. 

Ronda said she is excited by emerging opportunities in the industry. “In addition to our original tours we plan to diversify our business, emphasising education, nature activities, and study camps for amateur naturalists,” she said

Ecotourism Australia’s 2020 Hall of Fame entrants include: 

•    Araucaria Ecotours (QLD)
•    Broken River Mountain Resort (QLD)
•    Capricorn Caves (QLD)
•    Cruise Maroochy Eco Tours (QLD)
•    Daintree River Cruise Centre (QLD)
•    Imagine Cruises – Port Stephens (NSW)
•    Kingfisher Cruises (VIC)
•    Moonshadow Cruises – TQC (NSW)
•    Sailaway (QLD)
•    Tread Lightly Eco Tours (NSW)

For questions and comments, please contact:
Ingrid Huitema – Communications and Marketing, Ecotourism Australia
0408 112 728 / [email protected]