New plan to recognise Australia’s first eco-certified region

A significant new plan to recognise the Port Douglas and Daintree Region as the first eco-certified region in Australia has been welcomed by the industry.

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree Executive Officer Tara Bennett said the foundations were already in place with many of the nature-based tourism feature found in the Douglas Shire Council region qualifying it for the ecotourism accreditation tick of approval.

Bennett explained “we live in an area of outstanding natural beauty that is globally significant, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

“Our operators are committed to protecting, preserving and ensuring long-term, sustainable tourism experiences that are authentic, memorable and safe.”

Bennett said many of the Douglas region’s ecotourism businesses are small to medium sized enterprises, advising “ecotourism is about ensuring best practices across the board, whether you are a small independent tour guide or are larger commercial operation.”

Under the new program being driven by the Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, and Ecotourism Australia, operators will be given guidance and assistance to complete their eco-accreditation.

Bennett added “our industry continues to set the benchmark high, and I look forward to working with trade to showcase these tourism operators as more and more become officially accredited.

“The pilot program will see Douglas Shire Council provide financial assistance to kickstart the process, with Ecotourism Australia providing mentoring for businesses to help guide them along the way.”

Bennett said the European markets, particularly Germany, are showing the strongest interest in eco-accreditation, while the younger generations in the US and China Japan have a rapidly growing appreciation for environmental credentials.

She concluded “there is a real opportunity here for the Douglas Shire to turn its unrivalled environmental reputation into a competitive advantage through the delivery of sustainable authentic sustainable tourism practices.”

Currently, there are 21 operators providing eco-certified tourism experiences as as per the Green Travel Guide on www.ecotourism.org.au 

Image: Port Douglas from the air.

23rd June 2018 - IRONMAN TO BE STAGED IN CAIRNS FOR FIVE MORE YEARS

1st June 2018 - NEW WALKING TRAIL AND ECOTOURISM PROJECT PLANNED FOR COASTAL STRIP NORTH OF CAIRNS 

13th December 2017 - MINISTER FOR ARTS, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF NAMED IN NEW QUEENSLAND CABINET

22nd October 2017 - PORT DOUGLAS PREPARES FOR SEASON OF SPORTING EVENTS 

1st October 2017 - ECOTOURISM VALUE OF QUEENSLAND’S NATIONAL PARKS FLAGGED IN ANNUAL REPORT

9th August 2017 - AUSTRALIA’S GREAT OUTDOORS NEEDS TO BE MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR NATURE-BASED TOURISM

28th May 2017 - GREAT BARRIER REEF SEAGRASS RECOVERING FROM CYCLONE YASI

29th March 2017 - QUEENSLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY RALLIES FOLLOWING CYCLONE DEBBIE 

6th December 2016 - QUEENSLAND NATIONAL PARKS MINISTER ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF PROTECTED AREA ESTATE 

25th July 2016 - TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND HIGHLIGHTS NEW INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT 

23rd July 2015 - ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA’S ECO CERTIFICATION GAINS GLOBAL APPROVAL

20th November 2014 - IUCN SUMMIT DELIVERS MAJOR COMMITMENTS TO SAVE EARTH’S MOST PRECIOUS NATURAL AREAS 

1st February 2014 - UN RESOLUTION RECOGNISES ECOTOURISM AS KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.