Whitsunday marina becomes first to secure Sustainable Tourism Certification

Coral Sea Marina, an award-winning destination marina in the Whitsundays, at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, has become the first marina in Australia to earn Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia.

This achievement underscores their commitment to global best-practice standards and highlights their leadership in sustainable tourism.

Coral Sea Marina is dedicated to sustainability, integrating numerous initiatives throughout its operations. The Coral Sea Academy educates guests and locals on the environment, Great Barrier Reef, and eco-friendly boating.

The marina features interpretive signage, a seagrass nursery, and citizen science programs. It also honours the traditional owners of the land, the Birri-Gubba Nation through cultural collaborations, signage, and online resources.

Coral Sea Marina Resort provides environmental information, green boating guides, and updates via digital platforms and newsletters, promoting sustainability and respect for the Whitsundays' natural and cultural heritage.

Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development advised “our marina is uniquely located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and as a destination marina we attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. We are acutely aware of the key role the marina plays in the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Whitsundays and therefore, our commitment to effective environmental management is a key priority for us as a business.

“We are thrilled to receive Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia and to be the first marina in Australia to achieve this recognition. This accomplishment highlights our commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting responsible boating practices.

“Sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations, this Certification will help us on our journey to continue to promote the concept of ‘travel for good’ to our guests, visitors and the wider community.”

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan, congratulated Coral Sea Marina on their achievement and shared “Coral Sea Marina is the first marina to be awarded Sustainable Tourism Certification. Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“It is also testament to the focus of the tourism industry in the Whitsunday’s region. We have 38 ECO Certified operators in the region and six operate their tour experiences from the Coral Sea Marina. 

“Australia boasts the 3rd largest marine jurisdiction in the world, contributing $118.5 billion to our economy and supporting 462,000 jobs annually. It’s our responsibility to safeguard these waters for future generations. Ecotourism Australia is proud to have nearly 200 ECO Certified operators and over 700 marine-based experiences across Australia who are committed to ensuring tourism activities play a role in preserving our oceans across our region. Coral Sea Marina is further contributing to this commitment.”

Sustainable Tourism Certification assesses businesses, through third party auditing, against Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised ecotourism standard across the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impact and sustainable business operations.

Coral Sea Marina features 520 wet berths, two lively shoreside marina villages, and hosts 80% of the region’s on-water tourism experiences, including 52 commercial operators.

Coral Sea Marina Resort was awarded Whitsundays Business of the Year at the 2024 Whitsunday Tourism Awards on Saturday 19th October.

More information on the Green Travel Guide: Coral Sea Marina Resort

Image. Credit: Coral Sea Marina