Ecotourism Australia our next few years Nov 2018 Dr Claire Ellis
State Great organisation good track record For accommodation, tours & attractions Est. 1996 world s first national ecotourism accreditation program 3 levels: Advanced Ecotourism, Ecotourism & Nature Tourism The guest experience must have a primary focus on nature For all sectors of the tourism industry For businesses actively working to reduce their emissions & adapting to reduce their carbon footprint For products where the guest experience specifically involves visiting cultural areas or receiving cultural interpretation Helps customers directly & personally experience culture without causing damage For individuals who work as guides for nature-based tourism experiences Owned by Ecotourism Australia but managed by Savannah Guides Destination Certification
State Our other work areas Australia: Conference, certification workshops Showcase our collective such as at ATE Raise the bar such as Australian Tourism Awards Ecotourism category Partnerships including parks agencies, tourism industry councils, state and national tourism bodies Beyond: Contributing globally through GSTC and partnerships with other certification bodies Vanuatu / IUCN work
Continuous improvement Plus other global bodies Global Sustainable Tourism Council - Working together for the universal adoption of sustainable tourism principles.
Changing community and consumers
Sustainability
Sustainability Why is it even more important than ever?
The appeal of nature and landscapes as well as wildlife is growing
Changing views of luxury - scarcity
The future What are our goals? We have good management options but how well are we using them?
Destination level goals Viable strong industry A highly appealing destination Sustainability quality and consistency Authentic, draws on what we have, strengthens our place Resilience and flexibility in our regional communities A focus on economic, social and environmental benefits
1. Sharpen and simplify
1. Sharpen and simplify Certification, accreditation, auditing, brands, user generated reviews, awards, training Products, businesses, destinations, parks
Better communication of the value proposition of Ecotourism Australia Advocacy stakeholders Communications members
2. International best practice global standards Australia needs to continue to be globally competitive Remain committed to certification as a tool for improvement We provide a Quality bar
ECO Certification Provides an assurance that a certified product is backed by a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences. Critically it is a very effective park management tool due to transferring resourcing requirements. Different levels of certification can encourage improvement. www.ecotourism.org.au
3. Destination focus
4 Pillars 1. Demonstrate effective sustainable management. 2. Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts. 3. Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts. 4. Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts.
Core Principles 1. Business Management & Operational Planning 2. Responsible Marketing Business 3. Customer Experience and Satisfaction 4. Environmental Management - Natural Area Focus/Indigenous Culture Focus - Environmental Sustainability Environmental - Climate Action 5. Interpretation & Education 6. Contribution to Conservation 7. Working with Local Communities Social & Cultural 8. Cultural Respect & Sensitivity
Successful destination Red = 2017 Green = also pre-selected for 2018 as certified www.greendestinations.org
Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism Developed at the national level, the certification programme uses the SLOVENIA GREEN umbrella brand to: bring together all efforts directed towards the sustainable development of tourism in Slovenia, offer tools to destinations and service providers that enable them to evaluate and improve their sustainability endeavours and promote these green endeavours through the Slovenia Green brand.
4. Broader range of stakeholders and partners Work with others None of us can do this ourselves Wider stakeholders
Thanks Dr Claire Ellis Chair Ecotourism Australia Claire@ecotourism.org.au 0417 520 722