Leading ecotourism businesses inducted into Ecotourism Australia's 2022 Hall of Fame

Key milestones are being celebrated across Australia by eco and nature-based tourism businesses with 10 operators having achieved an incredible 20 years and 36 operators having achieved 10 years of ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia - demonstrating their commitment to operating at the highest global standards.

Operators that joined Ecotourism Australia in 2002 have achieved 20 years of certification which grants them Hall of Fame status, while operators achieving Green Travel Leader status joined in 2012 and are celebrating 10 years of certification.

Ecotourism Australia’s longest-serving operators are among 500 certified operators delivering over 1,700 tour, accommodation, and attraction products in Australia.

Ecotourism Australia advise that these businesses have been operating at the forefront of ecotourism and responsible tourism practices and can be credited with helping set the direction of future sustainable tourism practices in Australia.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan shared “It is fantastic to see these leading ecotourism operators engage tourists in sustainable experiences that build knowledge and foster environmental and cultural appreciation.

“Their continued efforts to innovate and create meaningful experiences that don’t cost the earth have earned them recognition from Ecotourism Australia and the wider Australian tourism industry.”

Some of the operators recognised include Western Australian Hall of Fame operator HeliSpirit (pictured top), ECO certified at the Ecotourism level, which made a significant impact on sustainable tourism in 2022. The company announced their collaboration with sister company Aviair and its partnership with Eve Air Mobility to introduce up to 50 zero-emission electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. These flights may commence as early as 2026.

Holder of certification across three Ecotourism Australia programs – one of only 21 operators in Australia to do so – Fun Over 50 Holidays has become a Green Travel Leader in 2022, while launching their Green Getaway tour this year. Guests were invited to plant bushtucker while learning about local Iningai culture and Country in outback Queensland to be used at the Desert Dreaming Centre, with 100% of emissions created on their tour offset.

Western Australian Advanced Ecotourism certified operator Dolphin Discovery Centre have achieved Green Travel Leader status amidst running their Storm Chasers Program initiating community beach clean-ups to protect the environment they rely on. Partnerships with Perth Zoo and the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have meant the Dolphin Discovery Centre can assist in the rescue, recovery and release of distressed animals during beach clean-ups, including the endangered Loggerhead Turtle.

Ecotourism’s relationship with conservation through valuable partnerships has strengthened operator impact on the environment and comes at a time when demand for authentic sustainable experiences is on the rise.

Keenan adds “the achievements of our certified high-quality operators across Australia couldn’t come at a more important time for travel when visitors are demanding more sustainable tour, accommodation, and attractions options. The Ecotourism Australia Certification programs verify sustainability claims of businesses against global best practice sustainability criteria so that travellers can book genuine eco-holidays with confidence.”

Research released in 2022 reiterates a growing awareness among travellers and stronger intentions to engage in responsible travel, with Booking.com finding in April that 71% of global travellers said that they want to travel more sustainably in the 12 months following, a 10% increase from the company’s data in 2021.

Expedia found earlier this year that 7 in 10 surveyed consumers have avoided a travel destination or transportation option due to scepticism about their commitment to sustainability.

Alongside the Green Travel Guide, a platform helping travellers find sustainable ecotourism options all in one place, Google and Booking.com acknowledge the importance of increasing the accessibility of sustainable tourism credentials by displaying sustainability credentials on accommodation listings, recognising Ecotourism Australia certification among few internationally.

Recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification program has been implementing a framework for small to medium businesses across the country to operate responsibly in our natural environment for over 25 years, with the Advanced Ecotourism level holding GSTC recognition.

Congratulations to our certified operators that have reached 10 and 20 years of certification!

New Hall of Fame entrants and Green Travel Leaders listed below.