23 November 2007

Global first for tourism on Climate Change

AN innovative partnership to deliver a world first tourism program addressing climate change was announced today at the Ecotourism Australia 2007 National Conference, held in Melbourne and regional Victoria from November 19-23. The Tourism Climate Change Certification program will be delivered in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and South Australian Tourism Commission to help operators reduce their carbon footprint.

Themed Leading Global Challenges, Ecotourism Australia Chairman, Alistair McCracken told the 200 plus industry delegates that the climate change partnership allowed them, together with Federal and State Government, to provide long-overdue assistance to the tourism industry. Operators on the Great Barrier Reef and in South Australia will participate in an intensive pilot before a fine-tuned program is rolled out to the broader tourism industry in mid-2008.

David Windsor, Executive Director of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators enthusiastically welcomed this initiative as a positive step in ensuring the sustainability of tourism and long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef. South Australia Tourism Commission Chief Executive, Andrew McEvoy says South Australia is already a leader in the field of ecologically sustainable tourism development, with around 15 percent of the nation’s Eco Certified tourism operators based there.

In addition to developing the practical Certification Program for industry, the program will include an information resource hub encouraging immediate industry action. It will reduce the information gap between reputable scientific and government bodies.
The resource will outline such measures as mitigation surrounding implementation of climate change. It will also link to the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) calculators, standards and practices.

The tourism-based climate change initiative will have a self-education component aiming to demystify processes by providing up to date advice on what tourism businesses globally can do to improve performance measures and reduce their contribution to greenhouse gases. It aims to showcase examples of best practice on climate change.

Credible carbon offsetting programs including one by Conservation Volunteers Australia will provide alternatives to both industry and travellers. An interpretive component will provide ways for operators to inform and educate travellers about climate issues.

Mr. McCracken says Ecotourism Australia’s renowned Eco Certification program is now implemented by several other countries, and as a brand, is increasingly recognised by travellers. “Over our 15-years as a peak industry body, we have developed practical standards that ensure both ongoing support of local communities and long-term sustainability of the environment. It seems natural to join with supporters of Ecotourism and Nature-based Tourism in proactive partnerships which will set new standards in tourism and lead the next wave of change,” Mr. McCracken said.

For more information contact:
Kym Cheatham, Chief Executive Officer,
Ecotourism Australia
E: ceo@ecotourism.org.au M: 0427 279 414
www.ecotourism.org.au
ABN 92 909 103 274

The Ecotourism Australia vision: "To be leaders in assisting ecotourism and other committed tourism operations to become environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially and culturally responsible".
Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 as an incorporated non-profit organisation, and is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry. Ecotourism Australia aims to grow and promote ecotourism and to assist tourism operators to become environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially and culturally responsible.

Membership includes tour operators, ecotourism accommodation, tourism planners, protected area managers, academics and students, regional tourism associations and travellers.
Ecotourism Australia’s certification program ECO 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.

Ecotourism Australia recently added ROC (Respect Our Culture) Certification for Indigenous Tourism operators and Climate Action Australia Certification to help the tourism industry work towards a more sustainable future.

In 2008, Ecotourism Australia was awarded the prestigious World Travel and Tourism Council “Tourism for Tomorrow” Award for Conservation at the World Tourism Summit in recognition of Ecotourism Australia’s significant contribution to the conservation and preservation of natural heritage.