Year of Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Tourism celebrates Green Travel Leaders

Ecotourism Australia has recognised over 40 Australian tourism operators as Green Travel Leaders as part of the Year of Responsible Ethical and Sustainable Tourism.

These companies are trail blazers in responsible travel having being ECO certified for 10 years or more. Long before most people were thinking about green issues, these businesses saw the importance of the environment to tourism and wanted to ensure they behaved in a responsible ethical and sustainable way.

Ecotourism Australia introduced the world first ECO certification program in 1996 and now has more than 1000 tourism products certified through their programs.

The National Long Term Tourism Strategy, recently launched by the Australian government, recognises Australia’s natural environment is a significant part of Australia’s appeal as a travel destination.

The National Long Term Tourism Strategy identifies that “consumers in key Australian tourism markets are increasingly focusing on climate change and environmental sustainability when making purchasing decisions. Through enhancing awareness of environmental protection and sustainability, and ensuring proper management of natural assets, Australia has the opportunity to counteract negative consumer perceptions and purchasing behaviours, and to gain significant economic, social and cultural benefits from sustainable tourism.”