ECO Destination Certification

Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Cassowary Coast to become an ECO Certified destination

The Cassowary Coast, in partnership with Cassowary Coast Tourism and key local, state and national stakeholders is on the journey to becoming an ECO Destination Certified by 2024

Located on the fringes of the Great Barrier Reef and bordered by the Wet Tropics Rainforest, the land and sea of our traditional owners the Mamu, Djiru, Girramay, Gulngay, Warrgamay, Jirrbal and Bandjin Peoples, the Cassowary Coast region is committed to working at protecting and supporting this natural environment for future generations.

Achieving ECO Certification will recognise the Cassowary Coast as a world class region that is strengthened by the destination’s commitment to ongoing improvement of sustainable practices, as well as providing high-quality nature-based tourism experiences. Certification of our region will appeal to the increasing number of conscious travellers looking to minimise their impact on the environment and be involved in the unique and authentic experiences our community has to offer.

The certification process considers six main themes:

  1. Destination Management
  2. Nature and Scenery
  3. Environment and Climate
  4. Culture and Tradition
  5. Social and Well-being
  6. Business and Hospitality
Eco certified destination 1

What is ECO Destination certification?

The ECO Destination Certification Program is a world first by Ecotourism Australia. The program was developed to identify genuine ecotourism and nature tourism experiences in Australia. The 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. 

snapping tours
Bike riders explore rainforest

What does eco-tourism mean for the community?

Destination certification is about much more than the tourism sector: it's about real, tangible environmental sustainability being demonstrated by how the community as a whole operates.

Increasingly, visitors are demanding authentic, unique, and environmentally sustainable experiences. A core belief is that visitors experiencing certified ECO Destinations do notice the difference.

How can you get involved?

What has our region already achieved?

  • Reef Guardian Schools - 25 schools in the Cassowary Coast Region are Reef Guardians 
  • Paronella Park - Eco certified as Advanced Ecotourism, and Climate Action Certified
  • Mamu Tropical Skywalk - Eco certified as Ecotourism
  • Mission Beach Island Reef Adventures - Eco certified as a Ecotourism
  • Bedarra Island Resort - Eco certified as Advanced Ecotourism, and Climate Action Certified

 

What is the ECO Destination Certification process?

Timeline ecotourism 2

Contact us

For more information please contact us at ecodestinations@ccrc.qld.gov.au