Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 as an incorporated non-profit organisation, and is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry.
The Association has a diverse membership that includes key industry sectors and 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.
The Association has a diverse membership that includes key industry sectors and 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.
The Ecotourism Australia vision
"To be leaders in assisting ecotourism and other committed tourism operations to become environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially and culturally responsible".
Ecotourism Australia Mission Statement
Ecotourism Australia's Mission is about growing, consolidating and promoting ecotourism and other committed tourism operations to become more sustainable, through approaches such as:
- developing and adopting standards for sustainable practices
- increasing the professionalism of those working within the tourism industry
- streamlining policies and processes that have in the past complicated operating in protected areas
- assisting operators to improve the quality of interpretation offered about the places they visit
- improving positioning and financial viability for operators who adopt sustainable practices
- contributing to conservation solutions and projects; involving and providing benefits to local communities
- marketing the principles of sustainability to increase awareness across the tourism industry
The Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program
The Eco Certification Program is Ecotourism Australia's flagship program. Ecotourism and nature tourism accreditation provide industry, protected area managers, local communities and travellers with an assurance that an accredited product is backed by a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences. Developed in Australia, the Eco Certification Program is now being exported to the rest of the world as the International Ecotourism Standard. Successful completion of Eco Certification Program includes Membership of Ecotourism Australia.
The EcoGuide Certification Program
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.
Other Association activities
In addition to the operation of the Eco Certification Program and the EcoGuide Australia 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
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