Trees, Lungs of the Planet!
Have you considered, where would we be without trees? We’ve explored the multiple benefits humans derive from trees, and wish to feed your curiosity with some facts you may have not known until now!
Happy World Oceans Day!
Happy World Oceans Day! Today is a day dedicated to educating ourselves and others about the crucial roles that oceans play in sustaining and supporting our planet and humankind, recognising the current conditions of our oceans and the issues and risks surrounding them today, and encouraging positive change as individuals and communities to conserve and protect Earth’s life support system. Ecotourism is an industry that not only benefits from and depends on pristine natural environments and ecosystems, but can also act as a platform through which to educate visitors, encourage and support involvement in conservation initiatives and inspire positive, environmentally-friendly tourist behaviour.
Connecting to Nature Waste Free and Sustainably
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day- Connecting People to Nature encouraged people to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. Connecting to nature can create awareness about the fragility and sensitivity of our ecosystems and the impact that can result from human activity.
Connecting People with Wildlife
Photo courtesy of Traveller and South Australia Tourism Commission
Congratulations to Fraser Dingo 4WD Adventures for achieving Ecotourism Certification!
Congratulations to Fraser Dingo 4WD Adventures for achieving Ecotourism Certification for their self-guided 4WD, Tagalong Adventure, and Island Hiking products.
Findings and Feedback from the Australian Tourism Exchange 2017
Ecotourism Australia (EA) joined over 2,500 tourism industry professionals at the 2017 Australian Tourism Exchange in Sydney between the 15th to 19th of May and were pleased to see ECO Certified operators made up 20% of all Sellers represented at the event. Yet again, ATE proved to be a valuable experience, offering the opportunity to connect with our members, build beneficial relationships and gain insight into current trends and market interest in ecotourism.
Gwinganna Lifstyle Luxury Retreat: Green Initiatives for the Win
Having achieved Ecotourism Certification in 2010, Gwinganna Lifestyle Luxury Retreat has continued its pathway to success by winning multiple awards. Along with excellence in their product offering, these awards recognise Gwinganna’s ecological achievements and commitment to sustainable practices and conservation. Gwinganna offers itself as a green alternative when competing in international awards competitions. In 2016, the resort won the International Spa Innovate Award in the Experiences category, the Eco-Spa of the year award with AsiaSpa awards and was the best the luxury destination spa in Australia with World Luxury Spa Awards.
Congratulations to Nomads Fraser Island Tours for achieving Ecotourism Certification!
Nomads Fraser Island Tours has exciting and captivating 4WD tours on the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island. These tours are 3 days and 2 nights or 2 days and 1 night, which are essentially guided tours of Fraser Island led by experienced, local guides that show the different aspects of the island whilst providing information on the cultural and natural history. You can cruise around 75 Mile Beach, which is the island's official road! Enjoy bush walks, refreshing swims at Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and much more.
Recognition of our Respecting Our Culture certified operators
In the lead up to National Sorry Day 26th May and National Reconciliation Week 27th-3rd June, Ecotourism Australia would like to highlight our valued operators who hold Respecting Our Culture certification. Ecotourism Australia and our Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certified operators recognise the integral relationship between our remarkable Australian landscapes and Indigenous peoples.
Queensland Tourism Award Entrant Support Programs
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has recently announced their new and improved entrant support program and would love all operators to know about it and help entries into the awards.