Image: TAHLIA FACER
The Bundaberg area has turn out to be solely the second vacation spot in Queensland and the fifth in Australia to realize ECO Vacation spot Certification from Ecotourism Australia.
The globally-recognised ECO Vacation spot Certification course of by means of Ecotourism Australia is advanced and recognises the efforts of the whole group, native authorities and tourism business in the direction of all features of regional sustainability.
Following unbiased 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 powerful dedication to ecotourism ideas. This entails cultural and pure interpretation and training for guests, and native enterprise engagement in sustainability”.
The Bundaberg area is house to among the most lauded eco-certified experiences on the Nice Barrier Reef together with Girl Elliot Island Eco Resort, Girl Musgrave Expertise, Mon Repos Turtle Centre and Kellys Seashore Resort.
Ecotourism Australia Chief Govt Elissa Keenan stated they had been 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 world commonplace mark a strengthened environmental focus for the area’s tourism business,” Ms Keenan stated.
“Reaching 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 reveals an ongoing dedication to growing the area’s accountable tourism product by partaking operators to uptake Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised packages, by means of our legacy ECO Certification, and now new sustainable tourism packages obtainable to the broader tourism business.
“Bundaberg’s software demonstrated a ardour for, and dedication to, holistic sustainability inside the area, championing initiatives such because the One Million Timber Challenge and the favored Milbi Pageant.
“Congratulations to the Bundaberg area on this vital achievement.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey stated council had led the certification course of with assist from a variety of stakeholders together with Bundaberg Tourism, PCCC and native operators and organisations.
“It’s a huge coup for the Bundaberg area to realize ECO Vacation spot Certification and sees our group turn out to be considered one of solely a small quantity within the nation to take action,” Mayor Dempsey stated.
“This achievement demonstrates our group’s respect and take care of the pure surroundings and can guarantee we proceed to develop in a sustainable means into the longer term.
“Ecotourism Australia’s unbiased auditor had some great suggestions for our area in making their determination and counseled council for its proactive strategy to sustainability.
“This achievement has apparent advantages for our financial system however it is going to additionally profit our surroundings by offering a framework to continually preserve and enhance sustainability practices.
“Additionally it is great for our group members who may be happy with the position they play in preserving and defending this place we’re fortunate sufficient to name house.”
The auditor additionally famous that, of the highest 5 Bundaberg area points of interest and traveller favourites on TripAdvisor in 2022, three had been nature-based and included Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Bundaberg Botanic Gardens and Alexandra Park Zoo.
Bundaberg Tourism performed a key position in supporting the ECO Vacation spot Certification course of which CEO Katherine Reid stated was set to make the area much more standard with travellers.
“The tourism business of the area has lengthy believed that experiencing our internationally vital however fragile pure property is the best technique to educate folks in regards to the want for conservation,” Ms Reid stated.
“The group and our tourism business take nice pleasure in our position as custodians of the Nice Barrier Reef and the valuable land, water and sea Nation of the Conventional House owners on which we reside and ECO Vacation spot Certification is formal acknowledgement of this.
“The Bundaberg area continues to shine as considered one of Australia’s most enjoyable 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 circumstances, 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 powerful, well-managed dedication to sustainable practices and supply high-quality nature-based tourism experiences inside the area.
Changing into a licensed ECO Vacation spot means areas shall be demonstrating internationally recognised ecotourism credentials to guests, stakeholders and the group in a fashion that’s credible and authenticated.
In different phrases, it’s not simply areas saying they’re sustainable – it’s independently assessed, verified and audited.
