ECO Think Destination Forum commences at Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg

Australia’s destination management leaders met last night in Bundaberg at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre for the welcome function of the three-day 2023 ECO Think Destination Forum focused on sustainability and ecotourism.

The ECO Think Destination Forum is being held from 28th to 30th March, with the theme ‘Sustainability is a journey’ and with the Forum being held at the Bundaberg Multiplex Sport & Conference Centre.

The event brings together representatives from a wide range of organisations across Australia and the Pacific to discuss best practice sustainable and ecotourism destination management and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Key speakers, including from Tourism Australia, Austrade, Accor Australia Pacific, the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, regional tourism organisations and destination leaders will highlight the latest in global sustainability standards, changing market demands from travellers, best practice to inspire knowledge sharing, and discuss practical ideas for embedding sustainability in every region in Australia.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan notes “as the peak body for sustainable and ecotourism in Australia and a global leader in Destination Certification, we are delighted to see such a calibre of speakers and variety of topics coming together to drive our tourism industry towards a more sustainable future.

“The regions participating in our ECO Destination Certification programs recognise the importance to have a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism across the four pillars of sustainability; environmental, socio-economic, cultural and sustainable management.”

Some 80 delegates will attend the 2023 ECO Think Destination Forum. More than half represent destination management organisations of regional and state tourism organisations and councils, and those representing a certified destination or region aspiring to achieve global standard certification.  State and federal government agencies, national parks agencies, tourism operators and tourism support services representatives will also be in attendance.

Keenan adds “we are pleased to bring this event to regional Australia and support Queensland and the Bundaberg region’s visitor economy.  More than 40% of attendees are travelling from interstate and more 50% are travelling intrastate to attend the forum and enjoy the region.  Delegates will visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Macadamias Australia, undertake the Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tour and of course the Bundaberg Rum Distillery Experience is also on the itinerary.”

Councillor Steve Cooper said Bundaberg Regional Council was proud to host Ecotourism Australia’s 2023 ECO Think Destination Forum after becoming the second certified ECO Destination in Queensland and added “we welcome the opportunity to showcase our best practice sustainability initiatives to such a variety of delegates on a national stage. We invite all attendees to share in the variety of experiences and hospitality venues that our region has to offer.”

Katherine Reid, Chief Executive Bundaberg Tourism said the Bundaberg tourism industry continues to live out sustainability principles daily and shared “Every day our tourism industry and our community here in the Bundaberg region strive to make sustainable choices to protect our internationally significant natural assets for generations to come. We understand that without a healthy environment and connected community, tourism cannot exist.”

The ECO Think | Destination Forum 2023 is hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council in collaboration with Ecotourism Australia and is supported by Ecotourism Australia partner, WWF-Australia, and event sponsors, Tourism and Events Queensland (Platinum Sponsor), Tourism Tribe (Gold Sponsor) and JMD Ross Insurance Brokers (Silver Sponsor).

Click here for event details in the Australasian Leisure Management Calendar