Ecotourism Australia

06/10/2026

We’re proud to share Ecotourism Australia’s first Sustainability Impact Report🌿

As an organisation committed to supporting a more sustainable future for tourism, we believe leadership means applying the same level of accountability to ourselves that underpins our certification programs.

During 2025-26, Ecotourism Australia prepared its first public-facing Sustainability Impact Report, establishing a baseline for measuring our own sustainability performance and impact and strengthening our accountability over time. We will continue to review our impacts annually and report our progress publicly, being transparent about both our achievements and where further work is needed.

In addition to measuring our emissions across our operations and value chain, we also reviewed how our impact extends well beyond our own operations. During the year, more than 300 businesses were coached to strengthen their contribution to conservation and community initiatives, while assistance was offered to 239 businesses affected by climate-related disasters. We also planted one tree for every delegate attending the 2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026, supporting restoration at Doonan Creek Environment Reserve.

Our Sustainability Commitment builds on this baseline with clear priorities for the year ahead: improving the quality of our emissions data, making travel purposeful and efficient, strengthening sustainable procurement and continuing to embed sustainability across our operations and team. We will also continue to assess and implement appropriate reconciliation actions and develop a practical roadmap to guide our approach over time.

Read the full report via the link here: https://ecotourism.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Ecotourism-Australia-Sustainability-Impact-Report-FY25-26.pdf

Cover image credit: Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay © Tourism Australia

30/09/2026

Did you know the Scenic Rim is an Ecotourism Australia-certified destination? 🌿

It’s recognition of something special: a region where incredible natural landscapes, wildlife and communities are cared for with the future in mind.

So when you’re exploring this beautiful corner of Queensland, remember to tread lightly, , and help keep the Scenic Rim scenic 💚

25/09/2026

24/09/2026

The official theme for the UN’s World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 is “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, recognising the growing role of technology and AI in shaping the future of travel.

AI and digital tools can help travellers discover new destinations, build personalised itineraries and find experiences that reflect their interests and values. But as the way we plan travel changes, knowing which information and sustainability claims to trust remains important.

A business might be described as “eco-friendly” or “sustainable”, but how can you know what sits behind the claim?

That’s where independent certification can help.

If sustainability is important to you when you travel, look for businesses that have been independently certified.

Our Green Travel Guide is a directory of tourism businesses and destinations that have achieved Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification or Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Their sustainability practices are assessed against publicly available criteria and verified by independent third-party auditors.

So, while AI can help you discover your next destination, the Green Travel Guide can help you choose experiences with independently verified sustainability credentials. 🌿

From accommodation and tours to attractions and destinations, explore certified tourism experiences across Australia and New Zealand today by visiting the link here: https://greentravelguide.org/

21/09/2026

Congratulations to Mission Beach Dive on achieving ECO Certification!

Locally owned and operated, Mission Beach Dive is a PADI Dive Centre based in Mission Beach, Tropical North Queensland. Operating from Clump Point Marina, they're one of the closest mainland departure points to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, reaching Beaver Reef and Taylor Reef in 60 to 90 minutes rather than the two-plus hours common from Cairns.

They cater to every level of ocean experience, from guided snorkelling and Discover Scuba introductions through to full PADI certification courses and two-dive trips for certified divers into Marine Park Green Zone sites. Group sizes are capped at twelve divers per trip to keep the experience personal and reduce impact on the reef. Beyond day trips, they run monthly full moon night dives, seasonal whale watching (July to September) and coral spawning trips (November and December).

Key sustainability initiatives include:

🌏 Operating on Djiru sea country, with Traditional Custodian knowledge of reef, seagrass and mangrove systems informing how they manage the water
🧴 Reef-safe mineral sunscreen required on every trip
🐠 Strict no-touch, no-collect policies for all marine life
👥 Small group sizes (max 12) to minimise in-water impact
⚓ Careful site selection and responsible anchoring, with avoidance of sensitive or recovering reef areas
♻️ Zero discharge and waste minimisation onboard, alongside fuel-efficient vessel operations

Learn more about Mission Beach Dive on the Green Travel Guide here: https://greentravelguide.org/listing/mission-beach-dive/

18/09/2026

Not all sustainability claims are created equal 🌱

With the EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (EmpCo) Directive coming into effect, businesses need to be more considered about how they communicate their environmental credentials.

Vague claims like “eco-friendly” are no longer enough. Strong sustainability claims are built on clear evidence, credible standards and independent verification.

Swipe through to explore the five levels of claim credibility, from general environmental statements through to independently certified claims.

For certified members, our EmpCo Readiness Toolkit provides practical guidance and tools to help you communicate your sustainability credentials clearly and confidently.

To request your copy, contact [email protected].

07/09/2026

🌿 Today is National Threatened Species Day.

Each year on 7 September, we recognise the almost 2,000 Australian plant and animal species listed as threatened, and reflect on what more can be done to protect them.

The date also marks the death of the last known Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) in captivity in 1936. Its extinction resulted from a combination of hunting, habitat loss, disease and competition from introduced species.

The thylacine's loss shows what happens when species and their habitats aren't protected. But there's plenty we can do to help threatened wildlife today 🌏

Planting native species, removing invasive plants, choosing more sustainable food, keeping cats indoors: small everyday decisions add up to real protection for habitat and native wildlife.

Travel choices matter too. Booking with ECO Certified and Sustainable Tourism Certified operators through Ecotourism Australia's Green Travel Guide directs tourism toward businesses genuinely committed to conservation and responsible environmental practice.

Swipe through for simple ways to help protect Australia's threatened species, at home and on the road 🐾

04/09/2026

👏🏾EOI | Certification sponsorship for Western Australian Aboriginal cultural tourism businesses!

Thanks to support from Tourism Western Australia, Expressions of Interest are open to Aboriginal cultural tourism businesses, who are also Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council members, to gain Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification or Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Support available under the sponsorship:
✅ Support person to guide you through the application and evidence requirements
✅ Certification cost
✅ Audit costs, including approved audit travel where required
✅ Assistance to strengthen policies, procedures and business systems
✅ Guidance on using certification evidence for relevant requirements

📅EOIs close 4 October 2026

👇🏾For more information, eligibility criteria and how to apply:
https://ecotourism.org.au/community-resources/eco-certification-sponsorship-for-wa-aboriginal-cultural-tourism-businesses/

03/08/2026

Happy Keep Australia Beautiful Week! 🌿

This year’s theme, Beautiful Spaces – Happy Places, is a great reminder of the powerful connection between healthy environments and healthy people.

We know that time in nature can do wonders for our wellbeing, from boosting energy and attention to helping us feel calmer and more connected. For children, these benefits are especially important, with outdoor play and physical activity supporting healthy development, confidence and mental wellbeing. By creating opportunities for young people to explore and experience the natural world, we can help nurture both healthier communities and the next generation of nature lovers.

We’re lucky to be joined by the real-life Tarzan, Tom, from our Advanced ECO Certified operator Treetops Adventure Central Coast, sharing why getting young people into nature matters – and how tourism operators can create meaningful connections with their local communities along the way.

Learn more about Treetops Adventure Central Coast by visiting them on the Green Travel Guide: https://greentravelguide.org/listing/treetops-adventure-central-coast/

Keep Australia Beautiful