Ecotourism Australia is the peak national body for Australia's ecotourism industry. Ecotourism Australia has a diverse membership that includes key industry sectors such as including ecotourism accommodation, tour and attraction operators; tourism planners; protected area managers; academics and students; tourism, environmental, interpretation and training consultants; local and regional tourism associations and travellers. Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991, and is an incorporated, non-profit organisation.

The Eco Certification Program is Ecotourism Australia's flagship program. Ecotourism and nature tourism certification provide industry, protected area managers, local communities and travellers with an assurance that an certified product is backed by a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences. the Eco Certification Program includes the applicable level of Business Membership to Ecotourism Australia. Developed in Australia, the Eco Certification Program is now being exported to the rest of the world as the International Ecotourism Standard. (read more)

The EcoGuide Australia Certification Program is an industry driven certification program for nature and ecotour guides. It provides an industry credential that rewards guides that achieve specified competencies and standards. The program is designed to enhance Guides competencies, and assess a Guides skills, knowledge, personal attributes and actions. The EcoGuide Australia Certification Program compliments and supports the Eco Certification Program. Successful achievement of EcoGuide Certification includes Membership of Ecotourism Australia and attractive professional development and networking opportunities.

In addition to the operation of the Eco Certification Program and the EcoGuide program, Ecotourism Australia is active in a range of areas including:
an on-line searchable database of EA members available through our website a monthly electronic newsletter and email group for members lobbying for decisions and initiatives that improve the viability of the ecotourism industry advocating for sustainable practices to be implemented across the tourism industry seminars and workshops on marketing, ecotourism business management, sustainable practices, the Eco Certification Program, Eco-guiding issues and training production of a range of publications a lively, interesting and informative annual national conference held in a region with local ecotourism options

Apart from being involved in these activities, the benefits provided by Ecotourism Australia to members include:

• networking opportunities with creative and innovative people involved in ecotourism throughout Australia  
• opportunities to provide input to the development of plans and programs related to ecotourism, such as tourism plans, national park management plans, under- and postgraduate courses and training programs  
• contributing to the development of more effective licensing systems for operating in protected areas opportunities to advertise, sponsor and align with the Association for improved positioning  
• listing in the Australian Ecotourism On-line Guide: an essential resource for promoting ecotourism products 
• listing in the EA Members Search Page assisting networking  
• twelve electronic newsletters per year covering trends and issues influencing sustainable tourism 
• member discounts on ecotourism publications and Eco Certification Program products.