Category Archives: News

On the advent of World Environment Day, 5 June, Ecotourism Australia has launched a brand new version of its longstanding Green Travel Guide, making it easier than ever before for travellers to find certified ecotourism experiences and destinations and have a positive impact when they travel.

The new Green Travel Guide, built as a Progressive Web App which means it can be added to a mobile home screens and utilised offline, boasts improved usability and search functionality as well as a host of new listing features like ‘book now’ buttons, social media links, images and reviews.

With research showing that over half of global travellers want to travel more sustainably in the future and the demand for high-quality, immersive nature-based travel experiences growing particularly in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman says the launch of the new Green Travel Guide couldn’t have come at a better time.

“People are increasingly looking for experiences that bring them back to nature, that refresh them not just physically but also emotionally. The demand for sustainable, nature-based tourism is growing and at the same time people are becoming more savvy about the holiday decisions they make, wanting to have a positive impact on the places they visit.

“The new Green Travel Guide makes it easy for visitors to plan their holiday itineraries around ECO certified experiences – those that are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices.”

With the ability to search for over 1,700 tours, accommodations and attractions certified through Ecotourism Australia’s ECO, Respecting our Culture (ROC) and Climate Action certification programs, as well as for destinations progressing through their certification journey, the new Green Travel Guide is a significant membership benefit for Ecotourism Australia’s 500 certified operators, whose listings on the Green Travel Guide are included as part of their annual membership fee.

 —END—

Booking.com 2021 Sustainable Travel Report reveals how the ‘pandemic effect’ could finally tip sustainable travel intent into impactful action • 83% of global travelers think sustainable travel is vital, with 61% saying the pandemic has made them want to travel more sustainably in the future • 49% still believe that there aren’t enough sustainable travel […]

The post Booking.com 2021 Sustainable Travel Report appeared first on GSTC.

Panama Tourism Authority (Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá, ATP) has joined as a Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) is the government organization that encompasses, encourages, promotes and regulates all tourist-related activities in the Republic of Panama. It is in charge of looking over all touristic activity in […]

The post Panama Joins GSTC appeared first on GSTC.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has joined as a Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). With over 700 islands and cays, and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) is an organization laid out in […]

The post Bahamas Joins GSTC appeared first on GSTC.

Ecotourism Australia would like to welcome our newest member, Soulful Concepts, to the Ecotourism Australia community. Soulful Concepts is an accredited travel company that is redefining the tourism industry with its philanthropic travel design that offers hand-crafted travel experiences for charities, corporates and individuals who want to have a positive impact on the destinations they visit.

Photo: Soulful Concepts

Primarily focused on culture, community development, conservation, personal wellbeing and sustainability, socially conscious travellers enjoy a wide range of responsible travel experiences created to minimise the social, economic, and environmental impact on destinations without compromising on comfort and style.

Photo: Soulful Concepts

Soulful Concepts are committed to responsible travel and sustainability. They believe in the protection of the environment and its wildlife through travel to solidify a personal connection to the world and taking on the responsibility of taking care of it. By working with partners and suppliers that share their commitment to responsible, sustainable, and eco-friendly tourism they aim to encourage “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”

Photo: Soulful Concepts

Eco-lodges, green hotels, tree-top rooms, yoga retreats, beachside tents, glamping, and historic houses are just some of the responsible accommodation options that guests get to choose from. Whether travelling solo, with a partner, with a best friend or a like-minded group, Soulful Concepts has a suitable option for your favourite charity or a custom responsible experience to suit you!