Dear Eco Go,
We are delighted that you have decided to become a member of Ecotourism Australia and are committed to contributing towards a sustainable future. We have provided some information for you below regarding the mission and vision of Ecotourism Australia including the programs we have developed in order to qualify those individuals and businesses that are making real in-roads in becoming ‘green’.
We look forward to working with you.
Best regards,
Kristie Gray
Business Development Manager
Ecotourism Australia
About Ecotourism Australia
The definition of ecotourism adopted by the Ecotourism Australia is:
"Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".
The Association believes that the ultimate definition of ecotourism is compliance with the core criteria stated within the ECO Certification Program.
Tourism operators in Australia who have their tour, attraction or accommodation accredited under the ECO Certification Program can genuinely claim to provide authentic ecotourism product.
Helping ecotourism grow to promote, sustain
and conserve our natural heritage
Ecotourism Australia (EA) 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 such as ecotourism accommodation, touring operators and attractions; 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".
The Ecotourism Australia Mission Statement
The Association's Mission is therefore 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 ECO Certification Program
The ECO Certification Program is the Association'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, ECO Certification is now being exported to the rest of the world as the International Ecotourism Standard. Substantial discounts on ECO Certification fees are provided for members of the EA.
The EcoGuide Australia Certification Program
The EcoGuide Australia Program is a voluntary, industry driven and run certification program for nature and ecotour guides. It provides an industry 'qualification' that rewards guides that achieve specified competencies and standards. The program is not designed to train guides, but to assess guides' skills, knowledge, attitude and actions. The EcoGuide Program complements and supports the Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program. Certified EcoGuides receive free Associate Membership of Ecotourism Australia and can upgrade to Professional Membership for a substantially reduced fee. Ecotourism Australia Members can receive one free copy of the EcoGuide Workbook.
Join Ecotourism Australia ……
Membership and association with our organisation will assist in the further development of the sustainable tourism industry in Australia. Ecotourism Australia has a diverse membership that includes key industry sectors including tourism planners; protected area managers; academics and students; tourism, environmental, interpretation and training consultants; local and regional tourism associations, travellers and ecotourism accommodation, tour and attraction operators similar to your organisation.
Other Ecotourism Australia activities
In addition to the operation of ECO Certification and the EcoGuide program, the Association 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, ECO Certification, 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
Principal Management Team Contacts:
Stephen Pahl - Chief Executive Officer: ceo@ecotourism.org.au
Kristie Gray - Business Development Manager: eco@ecotourism.org.au
Stephanie Chen - Accounts Manager: accounts@ecotourism.org.au
Amy Rillstone - Administration Assistant: admin@ecotourism.org.au
Ecotourism Australia
GPO Box 268
Brisbane Qld 4001
Telephone: 07 – 32295550
Facsimile: 07 – 32295255
www.ecotourism.org.au |
