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| Media Release | |||
New Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Directory makes green choice easy Ecotourism Australia today launched the 2007 edition of its Green Travel Directory. The directory lists over 700 ECO Certified operators and members, and covers every state of Australia. It includes a number of new entries since last year and gives the travel trade and tour planners information on a wide range of ECO Certified products. These tours, accommodation and attractions guarantee visitors a genuine ecotourism experience that has been audited under Ecotourism Australia’s world-leading certification program. “With most people now acutely aware of climate change and its implications, and a significant percentage of travellers wanting to minimise their environmental impact, this directory is a shop window for ecotourism products that are world’s best practice,” Ecotourism Australia’s CEO Stephen Pahl said. “We are very fortunate in Australia to have pioneered this program ten years ago and have well-established criteria for separating the ‘wannabe green’ tour operators from those who are truly committed to, and demonstrate, sustainability in every aspect of their operations. “Visitors and travel wholesalers who choose from the Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Directory and combine it with a carbon offset for air or road travel are making a positive choice for the environment as well as selecting a genuine experience of Australia’s unique natural heritage.” Stephen also said that the criteria used in the ECO Certification program could ultimately be a model to ensure all tourism activity is sustainable. “While Ecotourism Australia currently certifies tour operators and accommodation in nature-based locations, the principles of sustainability and responsible business practices can easily be applied to tourism and accommodation in other areas,” he said. “If we are serious about tackling climate change as a community – and we must be if we want to protect Australia’s tourism industry – we should demand that all tourism operations move quickly to minimise their impact and be environmentally responsible,” Stephen said. The comprehensive directory is available free to the travel industry by contacting the Ecotourism Australia office on (07) 3229 5550 or email admin@ecotourism.org.au. Travellers can buy a copy of the directory for $5 (plus postage and handling) at www.ecotourism.org.au Ecotourism Australia is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry. It aims to grow and promote ecotourism and to assist tourism operators to become environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially and culturally responsible. It is a non-profit organisation with membership that includes tour operators, ecotourism accommodation, tourism planners, protected area managers, academics and students, regional tourism associations and travellers. Ecotourism Australia’s certification program is a world first. It provides objective monitoring and auditing of organisations’ ecotourism claims and provides travel agents and tourists with an assurance of best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management and quality ecotourism experiences. ENDS For more information contact: |