ICP
ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…
read moreA new partnership between Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia will support six additional bushfire-affected destinations enabling them to revitalise their local economies through nature-based tourism.
The Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie-Hastings in New South Wales, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Scenic Rim in South East Queensland will benefit from the partnership and begin their journey to become certified ECO Destinations.
Each destination will be supported by WWF-Australia with a two-year $30,000 package that covers all costs to progress through Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination program.
Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Rod Hillman said he was delighted to have the six new destinations join East Gippsland in Victoria and Quandamooka Country in Queensland in the program and advised “we are working hard to support our tourism industry that has been hit hard in 2020 by bushfires and COVID and can see tangible benefits for regional tourism through this funding program.”
WWF-Australia’s Chief Executive, Dermot O’Gorman said the partnership would help to restore the local economies in bushfire-affected destinations and noted “the devasting double blow of the fires and pandemic has left many communities that depend on tourism hurting like never before. This partnership will help Australia’s nature-based tourism sector get back on its feet and support tourism activities that are good for both people and the environment.”
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said he was incredibly proud that the region will be recognised as a world-class ecotourism destination.
Mayor Greenhill adds “this certification will help us effectively promote our region to the increasing proportion of travellers who are hungry for sustainable travel experiences. It’s the stamp of approval that we are who we say we are – an authentic destination for environmentally aware visitors.”
Fiona Barden from Coffs Harbour City Council said “obtaining ECO Destination status for Coffs Coast will enable our destination, the communities, environments and values, to thrive through long-term sustainable tourism management.
“By working together with our key stakeholders, businesses and communities we can unite in the importance of becoming an ECO Destination, and deliver multiple benefits for our people and places.’
Scenic Rim Regional Council endorsed the partnership with Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia with Mayor Greg Christensen commenting the offer represented a tremendous opportunity for the region “by becoming a Certified ECO Destination, the Scenic Rim will join an established global network of like-minded destinations striving for ecotourism excellence.
“ECO Destination Certification has previously been identified as a goal for the Scenic Rim and would enhance our region’s tourism offering and credentials, broadening our appeal to the visitors we wish to attract - those who value sustainability and minimal impacts on the natural environment.”
Central Coast Council Mayor Lisa Matthews said the program will play a key role in the Central Coast’s future as a tourism hub and added “this has been a year of unprecedented challenges and the Central Coast is excited to be working with Ecotourism Australia to ensure nature and ecotourism flourishes in our region and plays an important role in our recovery and our future as a tourist destination.”
With the demand for sustainable travel experiences growing worldwide, Hillman said “the ECO Destination Certification program assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences within the region.”
Image: Scenic rim trail Queensland. Courtesy of Great walks of Australia
24th October 2020 - Ecotourism Australia announces new directors
7th October 2020 - Ecotourism Australia questions ‘optimistic’ budget assumptions
24th September 2020 - Ecotourism Australia implores governments for ongoing support of natural attractions and ecotourism experiences
12th August 2020 - Ecotourism Australia’s annual conference offers inaugural online streaming
3rd August 2020 - Ecotourism Australia waivers certification renewals while also planning for Global Eco Conference
13th February 2020 - WWF Australia collaborate with Woolworths and Foodbank to support wildlife
13th October 2020 - Nature Valley and Landcare Australia partner to rejuvenate bushfire affected walking trails
2nd October 2020 - Victorian Government undertakes to restore bushfire devastated forests
25th August 2020 - Reconstruction of bushfire damaged Tasmanian Parks infrastructure to support local industry
10th August 2020 - Minderoo Foundation funding assists research into koala recovery post-bushfires
6th August 2020 - Bushfires and Coronavirus impact Australian tourism with no imminent respite
30th July 2020 - Golf community gives financial support to clubs affected by bushfires
22nd May 2020 - Bluff Knoll walking trail reopens after extensive repairs to bushfire damage
12th May 2020 - Bushfire affected wildlife and plants to receive $150 million funding boost
2nd April 2020 - WIRES and Landcare Australia partner in $1million post-bushfire wildlife habitat regeneration
1st March 2020 - Bushfire impacted Mogo Wildlife Park reopens on NSW south coast
25th February 2020 - New research highlights impact of Coronavirus and bushfires on Australian business
3rd February 2020 - Gold Coast tourism suffers $40 million dip due to Coronavirus and bushfires impact
Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…
read moreBODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
read moreBioGuard is Australia and New Zealand’s most trusted supplier of premium, innovative and affordable commercial water treatment systems and chemicals. BioGuard offers a comprehensive range of…
read moreAnti Wave International is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave International is proud of its…
read moreTim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…
read moreWhether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…
read moreSLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!