Ecotourism Australia certified businesses secure Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

March 20, 2023

14 Ecotourism Australia certified operators across six states and territories have secured Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for tourism excellence in 2022.

Of businesses recognised for their contribution to Australian tourism through winning their state tourism awards, six Ecotourism Australia certified operators were awarded gold, three were awarded silver, and seven awarded bronze, with 27 businesses nominated across 14 diverse categories such as Unique Accommodation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience, Adventure Tourism, and Major Tourist Attractions.

Ecotourism Australia certified Live Ningaloo in Western Australia won gold for the second year in a row in the Ecotourism Category, followed by Tasmanian Walking Company in Tasmania with silver and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort in Queensland winning bronze.

All three placeholders in the Ecotourism category holding one of Ecotourism Australia’s certifications continues a history of operators meeting international sustainability standards being recognised as the best in ecotourism.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan shared “Tourism operators in Australia certified at the global best practice sustainability standard are delivering high-quality tourism experiences and it is commendable to see their impact recognised at the national level.

“As their state’s, and now Australia’s, leading businesses of 2022, we look forward to watching their impact continue to inspire tourism sustainability. Congratulations to all Ecotourism Australia certified operators that were nominated and to those that placed at last night’s tourism awards.”

GOLD
Live Ningaloo – Ecotourism
Adelaide Zoo – Major Tourist Attractions
Willie Creek Pearls Farm – Tourism Retail and Hire Services
Fun Over 50 Holidays - Tour & Transport Operators
The Hike Collective - Adventure Tourism
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort - Caravan & Holiday Parks

SILVER
Tasmanian Walking Company – Ecotourism
The Hike Collective - Tour & Transport Operators
Ocean Rafting - Adventure Tourism

BRONZE
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort – Ecotourism
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Major Tourist Attractions
Willie Creek Pearl Farm - Tourist Attractions
Venture North Safaris - Cultural Tourism
Sea World Cruises - Major Tour & Transport Operators
Bendleby Ranges - Adventure Tourism
Magnums Unique Accommodation Airlie Beach - 3-3.5 Star Accommodation

See the full list of award winners

Image: Tasmanian Walking Company – Ecotourism awarded silver

2nd March 2023 - Accor Pacific seeks sustainability certification from Ecotourism Australia

7th December 2022 - Chief Executive highlights Ecotourism Australia’s 2022 achievements

20th November 2022 - Ecotourism Australia partners with Tourism Australia to launch new sustainable tourism program

14th October 2022 - Leading ecotourism businesses inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s 2022 Hall of Fame

4th February 2022 - Ecotourism Australia announces Elissa Keenan as new Chief Executive

25th November 2021 - Ecotourism Australia celebrates 30 years with a new vision

29th October 2021 - Rod Hillman announces his resignation as Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive

1st July 2021 - Ecotourism Australia launches new version of Green Travel Guide

31st March 2021 - Ecotourism Australia calls for return of JobKeeper to those who need it

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