Category Archives: News

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]

A total of five applicant ECO Destinations across the country will play host to the live-streamed program of the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference that will be held on the ground at the HEART, Margaret River from 1-3 December.

With the constraints on travel associated with COVID-19, the online event offers an excellent opportunity for local people to access the interstate conference who may not otherwise have the time or funds to attend.

The ‘Satellite Node’ host ECO Destinations are offering attendees who cannot attend the live conference an opportunity to hear about leading practices in eco and sustainable tourism, conservation, protected area management, planning and development, marketing, Indigenous and community engagement, architecture and design, philanthropy, sustainable destination management and climate action.
 

Host ECO Destination Satellite Node details:

Bundaberg will offer three days of live streaming from 1-3 December at the Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre. There will be a launch into Ecotourism breakfast on 1 December, 7am for 7.30am start. Online registrations open.

Townsville will offer three days of live streaming from 1-3 December at Reid Park, Pit Lane. Email registrations are open.

Quandamooka Country (North Stradbroke Island) will also offer three days of live streaming from 1-3 December at Minjerribah Ganaba, Goompi (Dunwich). Online registrations open.
There is also an additional Minjerribah Aboriginal Culture Walk with Traditional Owner Josh Walker available for $40 per person. Interested attendees to email Kiah Morgan.

Coffs Harbour will live stream day 2 of the conference on 2 December at the Central Block C.ex Coffs International Stadium. Online registrations open.
It will also include an ECO Destinations presentation and discussion with networking drinks from 4-7pm on the same day.

The Central Coast will live stream three days of the conference from 1-3 December at the Function Room, Central Coast Council in Wyong. Register your interest to attend here.
 
More at: https://globaleco.com.au/location-and-venue

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