21 years of ecotourism in australia - colong foundation€¦ · 5. ecotourism ireland’s...
TRANSCRIPT
21 years of
Ecotourism in Australia
Kym Cheatham
Chief Executive Officer
Ecotourism Australia Limited
www.ecotourism.org.au
Background of Ecotourism
Australia
Formed following Australia’s first ecotourism
conference in 1991
Non-profit, non-government organisation
Peak national body for the nature-based & cultural tourism industry
www.ecotourism.org.au
January 5th, 2010
What will be the Top 5 Travel Trends in 2010?
Adventure and luxury travel website iExplore predicts
1.It’s All About Value
2.Ecotourism Here to Stay.
3.Baby Boomers Taking Experiential Trips.
4.Travel: Not a Game of Risk
5.Unique and Customized Itineraries.
www.ecotourism.org.au
‘Driving Visitation To Australia Using Experience Themes’
Research travellers from 11 international markets and the domestic market.
‘Nature in Australia’ and ‘Australian Journeys’ are the two experiences that
are the most motivating to travel to Australia.
Also ranked as the most ‘appealing, exciting and relevant.’
Tourism Australia, 2011
www.ecotourism.org.au
“Most tourism in natural areas today is not
ecotourism and is not therefore, sustainable.
Ecotourism can be distinguished from nature
tourism by its emphasis on conservation,
education, traveler responsibility and active
community participation.”
The Nature Conservancy
www.ecotourism.org.au
Ecotourism greenwashing
'Eco' and 'eco-lodges' have become
buzzwords used by both terrific organisations
dedicated to conservation and benefitting local
people, and those seeking to exploit its
marketing potential for economic gain with
little or no regard for destinations.
Justin Francis, responsibletravel.com
www.ecotourism.org.au
Current Environment
Australia’s dependency on Nature Tourism
Age of the Responsible Traveller
Living up to Expectations
Good business sense
www.ecotourism.org.au
Our Programs
ECO Certification–for nature tourism
Respecting Our Culture-for all involving
culture
Climate Action Certification – any tourism
business
EcoGuide Certification – for individual tour
guides
www.ecotourism.org.au
How it Works
• Guidance to know what is best practice
• Practical criteria to implement
• Independent assessment and recognition
• Logo for travellers to identify green businesses
www.ecotourism.org.au
ECO Certification
The ECO Certification Program was been developed in
1996 to address the need to identify genuine ecotourism
operators in Australia.
Ecotourism Certification provides an assurance that a
certified product is backed by a commitment to best
practice ecological sustainability, natural area management
and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences.
www.ecotourism.org.au
10 Principles 1. Business Management & Operational Planning
2. Responsible Marketing
3. Customer Satisfaction
4. Natural Area Focus/Indigenous Culture Focus
5. Environmental Sustainability
6. Climate Action
7. Interpretation & Education
8. Contribution to Conservation
9. Working with Local Communities
10. Cultural Respect & Sensitivity
Business
Environmental
Social &
Cultural
ECO Certification – 3 Levels
1. Nature Tourism
Business Management
Environmental Criteria
2. Ecotourism
Business Management
Environmental Criteria
Social/Cultural Responsibilities
3. Advanced Ecotourism
Business Management
Environmental Criteria
Social/Cultural Responsibilities
Assessing and Auditing
Independent assessors
Independent auditors
Full qualifications and experience
mandatory
Audit every 3 years
www.ecotourism.org.au
Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Working together for the universal adoption of sustainable tourism principles
United Nations Foundation, United Nations World Tourism Organisation, United Nations Environment Program plus other
global bodies including Ecotourism Australia
www.ecotourism.org.au
4 ‘Pillars’ 1. Demonstrate effective sustainable management.
2. Maximize social and economic benefits to the
local community and minimize negative impacts.
3. Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and
minimize negative impacts.
4. Maximize benefits to the environment and
minimize negative impacts.
www.ecotourism.org.au
11 CERTIFICATION STANDARDS RECOGNISED DECEMBER 2011
1. Ecotourism Certification, Ecotourism Australia
2. Advanced Ecotourism Certification, Ecotourism Australia
3. Bundesministerium für Land - und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft
(BMLFUW)‘s Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen)
4. Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT)'s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)
5. Ecotourism Ireland’s Ecotourism Ireland Label
6. European Ecotourism Knowledge Network’s European Ecotourism Labelling Standard
(EETLS)
7. Fair Trade in Tourism for South Africa (FTTSA)
8. Instituto de Turismo Responsable's Biosphere Hotels
9. Japan Ecolodge Association’s Environmentally sustainable accommodations standard
10. Rainforest Alliance’s Standard for Tourism Operations
11. Sustainable Travel International's Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP)
www.ecotourism.org.au
National Tourism Accreditation Framework
- TOURISM QUALITY COUNCIL of AUSTRALIA -
Department of Resources Energy and Tourism
Launched 3 April 2011
Approved programs ECO Certification, Respecting Our
Culture (ROC) Certification
www.ecotourism.org.au
Who wins?
For Operators the tools to change
marketing advantage
continuous improvement
For Tourists easy identification
guilt-free holiday
Increased awareness
For the Environment conservation
preservation
www.ecotourism.org.au
Certification provides an excellent framework to
help you improve your business operations,
achieve more sustainable goals and deliver a
better customer experience. It is an ongoing
partner that helps you maintain a better business
and help create a better world.
Christopher Warren
Proprietor, Crystal Creek Meadows, April 2011
Winners of:
- Ecotourism Australia Climate Action Award 2010
- Australian Tourism Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable
Tourism 2009
www.ecotourism.org.au
Eco Certification not only helped us
formalise our practices, but also provided
an excellent baseline to measure
continued improvements, as well as
helping to create realistic performance
targets for the future.
Tony Baker
CEO
Quicksilver Cruises
www.ecotourism.org.au
To be honest, we were relieved when
we finished the application! It took
months.
The interpretation we are now
delivering to our clients has improved
as has our staff training and
documentation.
Bernard Heimann,
Managing Director Maxi Action, June 2006
www.ecotourism.org.au
Want more info?
www.ecotourism.org.au
www.sustainabletourismaustralia.com
www.greentravelleaders.com.au
www.ecolodgesaustralia.com.au
www.globaleco.com.au
Thank you! www.ecotourism.org.au