North Queensland’s CaPTA Group wins Global Award for Sustainable Tourism

The CaPTA Group has been recognised as a global leader in sustainable tourism, winning the 2022 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award in the Major Tourist Attractions category.

The award was presented at the Opening Ceremony of the 81st Skål World Congress in the Croatian city of Kvarner on Friday 14th October, attended by CaPTA Director of Sales and Marketing Ben Woodward.

For 21 years, Skål International has recognised best practices in sustainable and responsible tourism to enhance the visibility and grant recognition to entities from the travel and tourism industry around the world.

CaPTA was selected as the winner by a panel of three independent judges on different environmental, social and economic criteria, including nature and culture preservation, carbon offsetting and climate change mitigation, renewable energy and waste management, and local employment and training.

Advising that the win was testament to CaPTA’s commitment to a range of initiatives across the group, from regenerative activities to wildlife conservation and indigenous employment, Woodward commented “we constantly strive to achieve environmental and social sustainability through our tour companies and attractions, with a commitment to protecting and preserving areas in which we operate for not only its own viability, but also the viability of its communities.

“From our Tropic Wings 100% electric bus, and solar energy harnessing, to sustainable education and tree planting programs, these initiatives are designed to help us reduce our environmental impact whilst providing a better experience for our guests and staff.”

As part of the award, CaPTA also receives a free one-year subscription to the Biosphere Sustainable platform, allowing them to create their own personalised Sustainability Plan for continuous improvement and recognition of the efforts of its companies.

CaPTA's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its Ecotourism Australia accreditation, and it reviews and re-evaluates its environmental and sustainability initiatives as new information and technology becomes available.

The Skal Sustainable Tourism Awards are supported by the UN World Tourism Organization, the Responsible Tourism Institute and Biosphere Tourism.

Locally owned and operated by the Cairns-based Woodward family, The CaPTA Group consists of Rainforestation Nature Park, Tropic Wings Coach Tours, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Jungle Tours & Trekking, ABC Sales & Maintenance CaPTA Events, Rainforest Lakes and Careers Training Centre.