AusLeisure

The completion of a rigorous two year assessment and auditing process has resulted in Blue Mountains City Council having secured ECO Destination Certification for the Blue Mountains region.

ECO Destination Certification is a global standard which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Travel Council (GSTC). In Australia, the ECO Destination Certification program is managed by Ecotourism Australia, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature Australia (WWF-Australia).

WWF-Australia and Ecotourism Australia joined forces in 2020 to support bushfire-affected regions, such as the Blue Mountains, to recover and gain their ecotourism certification.

“The Blue Mountains is home to some of our most iconic landscapes, but it has also been hit by some of the most devastating fires in recent history,” said Darren Grover, WWF-Australia’s Head of Healthy Land and Seascapes.

“We’re thrilled to see the Blue Mountains bouncing back with such a strong focus on sustainability and tourism experiences that are good for people and nature.

“Ecotourism is the only way for many people to experience Australia’s amazing wildlife and wild places, so it’s vital that this industry is made as sustainable and nature positive as possible.”

Gaining this Certification means that a region’s local government, National Parks agency, tourism organisations and other destination management stakeholders have all committed to meeting internationally recognised best practice standards across all four sustainability pillars: economic, social, cultural and environmental.

Blue Mountains City Mayor Mark Greenhill notes “this Certification is a big win for Blue Mountains residents as it will lead to more environmentally conscious visitors coming to our region. These are visitors who are more likely to stay longer, explore more and in doing so, have a richer, more authentic visitor experience while making a far greater financial and emotional investment in the region.

“Having the Blue Mountains recognised as a world leader in sustainable travel practices is a hugely exciting development for our community and an early boost for our region in 2023. Developing ecotourism strikes the perfect place in allowing us to grow our local economy while also preserving everything that makes our region so special – our incredible natural environment and unique, cultural and social heritage.”

Blue Mountains City Council Chief Executive, Dr Rosemary Dillion shared “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of Council staff over the past two years that has led to this outstanding result. I’m also delighted to see Council’s numerous sustainability initiatives such as establishing the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative and action on climate change that have contributed to our region receiving global recognition in this way.”

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan added “becoming one of the first regions to recognise the Rights of Nature in 2021 and projecting net zero emissions by 2025, the Blue Mountains City Council has demonstrated leadership in protecting the natural environment which has strengthened their ECO Destination Certification application.

“Ecotourism Australia is proud to have partnered with WWF-Australia to facilitate a framework for sustainable recovery for the tourism sector for the Blue Mountains. Their commitment to continuously improving holistic sustainability is a significant achievement for local businesses, the community and the council. Congratulations to the Blue Mountains region on this feat.”

Over the past two years, Council has been supporting local tourism operators to achieve ECO Certification by contributing cash subsidies as well as one-to-one business coaching.

To find out more on how businesses can gain ECO Certification go to www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/ecotourism

Image: Celebrating the ECO Destination accreditation are First Nations, Council, Ecotourism Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Destination NSW, Blue Mountains Tourism and tourism sector representatives at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

Related Articles

21st February 2023 - Blue Mountains historic Zig Zag Railway looks to reopen after decade-long refurbishment

8th October 2022 - New walking tracks and cycling links through Blue Mountains funded through WestInvest

17th September 2022 - Blue Mountains Cultural Centre welcomes one-millionth visitor ahead of 10th anniversary in November

29th August 2022 - Upgrades to St Johns and Neate Parks enhance play inclusivity in Blue Mountains

8th August 2022 - $3.4 million upgrade to begin at Blue Mountains Govetts Leap Lookout

31st July 2022 - Blue Mountains Council celebrates National Tree Day with plantings and new video series

6th July 2022 - Blue Mountains Council plants trees to combat urban heat

15th June 2022 - Blue Mountains community feedback shapes delivery of Wentworth Falls Lake Park upgrade

29th April 2022 - Blue Mountains National Park precincts to receive $3.2 million upgrades

30th December 2021 - Koala habitat planted in Blue Mountains’ Yellow Rock

24th September 2021 - Lower Blue Mountains to have its first accessible bushland track

20th September 2021 - Blue Mountains Tourism announces new marketing manager appointment

25th May 2021 - Blue Mountains City Council to participate in Climate Council National Summit

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.