The ECO Certification logo is a globally recognized brand which assists travellers to choose and experience a genuine and authentic tour, attraction, cruise or accommodation that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. The ECO Certification program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences.
The ECO Certification Program is a world first. It has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators. It is also now being exported to the rest of the world as the International ECO Certification Program.
The definition of ecotourism adopted by Ecotourism Australia is:
"Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".
The 3 levels of ECO Certification are:
 |
Nature Tourism: Tourism in a natural area that leaves minimal impact on the environment. |
 |
Ecotourism: Tourism in a natural area that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities. |
 |
Advanced Ecotourism: Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities. |
Tourism operators can apply to certify the following types of products under the ECO Certification Program:
Tours
Skippered Cruises and Bareboat Charters
Attractions
Accommodation
A combination of the above (must be listed as separate products in your application)
What are the BENEFITS?
- ECO is a framework to assist you in the implementation of ecologically sustainable practices
- ECO is an internationally recognised brand for you to use in and on your marketing material
- ECO Certification provides you a listing of your products in the Green Travel Directory brochure
- ECO Certification provides you a listing of your products in the eco search pages of the Ecotourism Australia website
- ECO provides you the opportunity to promote your product in the ‘Green Holiday Idea of the Month’ on the homepage of Ecotourism Australia’s website
- ECO Certification marketing benefits, include for example representation of products at domestic and international trade shows, industry conventions, media referrals and case study referrals
- The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is committed to rewarding Great Barrier Reef Marine Park operators certified to the Ecotourism and Advanced Ecotourism levels by offering extended 15 year permits for successful applicants. ECO Certified operators also receive a range of benefits through many of Australia’s State National Park agencies.
- ECO Certified Operators receive up to 50% discount off membership to Ecotourism Australia, providing a whole host of benefits.
You also receive the national TAAL accreditation Tick by completing your ECO Certification application. Ecotourism Australia is licenced to sell this program and will pay your fees on your behalf.
Click here to view a summary of the ECO Certification criteria.
Click below for more information:
How much will ECO Certification cost?
All applications are subject to an upfront assessment fee (based on the gross annual turnover of the products you are certifying). Once certification has been granted, an ongoing annual fee will be applicable each year to retain your certification. A signed declaration will also be required with your annual fee payment to ensure that the standards committed to in your application have not been altered by changes in the business.
ECO Certification Fees
|
Your Gross Annual Turnover |
Once-only Application Fee |
Ongoing Annual Fee*^
(includes membership to EA) |
< $250,000 |
345 |
410 |
$250,001 -
$1,000,000 |
395 |
605 |
$1,000,001 -
$5,000,000 |
495 |
845 |
$5,000,001 -
$10,000,000 |
595 |
1005 |
> $10,000,001 |
795 |
1115 |
*Due when certification has been granted, then each year on the anniversary
of this date.
^Discounted annual fees apply for those with multiple certifications.
All workbook applications will be subject to an additional cost
to cover the production and postage of the workbook ($75).
|
* Turnover will be required to be substantiated on audit.
Note: a small fee may be applicable to applications containing 10 or more products in order to cover assessor’s costs (for companies with turnovers less than $250,000).
How do I apply?
First Step:
Register online using the following this
link
Please keep your nominated user name and password in a safe place. You will be required to enter these details each time you log into your application, or if you wish to certify further products in the future.
A registration and assessment fee will be required on registration. Please refer to the fee calculator for your company’s applicable fees.
Application:
Ecotourism Australia will email you once payment has been received for your registration and assessment fees. You will then be granted access into the online portal to commence your application. Please ensure you answer and fulfill all mandatory core criteria items and attach any relevant supporting materials. It is recommended that you aim for the highest level of certification and attempt to fulfill as many criteria as possible.
You are able to contact our office at any time to seek assistance with your application.
Assessment:
Once your completed application is received, it is forwarded to an independent, qualified environmental assessor who reviews your application, contacts referees and occasionally seeks more information from the applicant..
The assessment process is generally a 14 day timeframe, depending on the complexity of the application, number of products being certified and the extent of the background information provided. Applications that are incomplete, fail to clearly define the product for which certification is sought or are internally inconsistent will require further clarification by the assessor and may take longer to process.
If your application is successful, you will receive a kit including a certificate, logos in electronic format and decals to assist in promoting your product as a genuine ecotourism or nature tourism experience.
Ecotourism Australia will organise onsite verification (audit) within twelve months to three years after receiving your certification.
How is the credibility of the program maintained?
Credibility with industry, communities and travellers is at the heart of the ECO Certification Program. This is maintained through:
- a rigorous assessment process including referees
- ongoing review and updating of criteria to reflect emerging and ongoing world’s best practice
- feedback from customers and guests of certified operators
- audits of operators, including an on-site audit on the entire set of the ECO Certification criteria within approximately the first twelve months after initial certification
