The Bundaberg Area has change into the second vacation spot in Queensland and fifth in Australia to announce ECO Vacation spot Certification from Ecotourism Australia.
The globally recognised ECO Vacation spot Certification course of by Ecotourism Australia is advanced and recognises the efforts of your entire group, native authorities and tourism trade in direction of all points of regional sustainability.
Following impartial evaluation throughout 91 standards, the area achieved the certification on the Ecotourism degree which is outlined as a “[n]ature-based tourism vacation spot with a robust dedication to ecotourism rules. This entails cultural and pure interpretation and schooling for guests, and native enterprise engagement in sustainability”.
The Bundaberg Area is dwelling to a few of the most lauded eco-certified experiences on the Nice Barrier Reef together with Woman Elliot Island Eco Resort, Woman Musgrave Expertise, Mon Repos Turtle Centre and Kellys Seaside Resort.
Mayor Jack Dempsey stated Bundaberg Regional Council had led the certification process with assist from a spread of stakeholders together with Bundaberg Tourism, PCCC and native operators and organisations.
“It’s a huge coup for the Bundaberg Area to attain ECO Vacation spot Certification and sees our group change into considered one of solely a small quantity within the nation to take action,” Mayor Dempsey stated.
“This achievement demonstrates our group’s respect and look after the pure setting and can guarantee we proceed to develop in a sustainable approach into the longer term.
“Ecotourism Australia’s impartial auditor had some great suggestions for our area in making their determination and counseled Council for its proactive method to sustainability.
“This achievement has apparent advantages for our economic system however it should additionally profit our surroundings by offering a framework to continually keep and enhance sustainability practices.
“It is usually great for our group members who might be pleased with the function they play in preserving and defending this place we’re fortunate sufficient to name dwelling.”
The auditor additionally famous that, of the highest 5 Bundaberg Area sights and traveller favourites on TripAdvisor in 2022, three have been nature-based and included Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and Alexandra Park Zoo.
Ecotourism Australia Chief Govt Elissa Keenan stated Ecotourism Australia was proud to award the Bundaberg Area ECO Vacation spot Certification on the Ecotourism degree.
“Bundaberg Regional Council’s rigorous efforts to implement sustainable vacation spot administration practices at a worldwide customary mark a strengthened environmental focus for the area’s tourism trade,” Ms Keenan stated.
“Attaining ECO Vacation spot Certification not solely helps native Ecotourism Australia licensed operators however conjures up native tourism companies to implement sustainability and obtain certification.
“Bundaberg Regional Council exhibits an ongoing dedication to creating the area’s accountable tourism product by partaking operators to uptake Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised packages, by our legacy ECO Certification, and now new sustainable tourism packages obtainable to the broader tourism trade.
“Bundaberg’s software demonstrated a ardour for, and dedication to, holistic sustainability throughout the area, championing initiatives such because the One Million Bushes Venture and the favored Milbi Pageant.
“Congratulations to the Bundaberg area on this important achievement.”
Bundaberg Tourism performed a key function in supporting the ECO Vacation spot Certification course of which CEO Katherine Reid stated was set to make the area much more common with travellers.
“The tourism trade of the area has lengthy believed that experiencing our internationally important however fragile pure property is the best option to educate folks in regards to the want for conservation,” Ms Reid stated.
“The group and our tourism trade take nice satisfaction in our function as custodians of the Nice Barrier Reef and the dear land, water and sea Nation of the Conventional House owners on which we dwell and ECO Vacation spot Certification is formal acknowledgement of this.
“The Bundaberg Area continues to shine as considered one of Australia’s most fun rising tourism locations, with folks flocking from across the nation and the globe to expertise our distinctive choices.
“The data that their holidays are underpinned by respectful, sustainable and, in some instances, regenerative enterprise practices will solely strengthen our desirability as a vacation spot.”
What’s an ECO Licensed Vacation spot?
The ECO Vacation spot Certification program assures travellers that licensed locations are backed by a robust, well-managed dedication to sustainable practices and supply high-quality nature-based tourism experiences throughout the area.
Turning into a licensed ECO Vacation spot means areas will probably be demonstrating internationally recognised ecotourism credentials to guests, stakeholders and the group in a way that’s credible and authenticated.
In different phrases, it’s not simply areas saying they’re sustainable – it’s independently assessed, verified and audited.
