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The Queensland Government is investing $1 million to help the state’s tourism destinations gain globally recognised eco – certification through the Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Program will provide grants to councils and regional and local tourism organisations to support attainment of either Ecotourism Australia or EarthCheck destination-level certification.

The program offers grant funding up to $150,000 for activities directly associated with achieving certification.

The destination certification would provide a wide range of benefits including improved sustainable practices, position destinations as low carbon and climate resilient, and be responsive to changing visitor needs.

Minister Stirling Hinchliffe noted “The Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program underpins our government’s vision to become a leader in sustainable tourism and will leverage the growth potential in nature-based tourism experiences to support good jobs and deliver better services.

“Most importantly, it supports actions to achieve a Climate Positive Olympics in 2032 and the target of net zero emissions by 2050.”

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan commended the Queensland Government for its commitment to help more destinations become sustainable adding “we know visitors, now more than ever, are looking for sustainable tourism experiences.

“We know when regions commit to an ECO Destination Certification process, they are committing to ongoing sustainable practices and continuously improving their actions, the provision of high-quality nature-based experiences in the region, and are focused on improving the environmental, social, cultural and financial outcomes for their local community.”

Stewart Moore, Chief Executive EarthCheck advised “Certification helps bring all your resources, efforts and data together to measure and track your destination's health, promote continuous improvement and deliver better outcomes for your residents and visitors.”

Minister Hinchliffe said there was growing momentum around Australia for tourism destinations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

“Port Douglas-Daintree was Australia’s first location to obtain ECO Destination certification and a number of other Queensland destinations including the Scenic Rim, Bundaberg, Cassowary Coast and Townsville are working through the process.”

Grant funding of $50 000 up to $150 000 will be available to cover eligible activity costs associated with the certification process, with no matched funding requirements from applicants.

Program applications will open on 18th August and close on Friday 7th October 2022. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in late 2022.

For further information please visit the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport website at www.dtis.qld.gov.au.

Image: Cassowary Coast

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