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Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, situated in the southern Great Barrier Reef, has reached global best-practice sustainable destination standards with Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level.

The Capricorn Coast has received intense support from their local industry who are working towards being more sustainable in their own operations. Seven local operators hold ECO Certification, including Capricorn Caves, who have maintained best-practice certification standards for more than 20 years.

As the fifth certified destination in Queensland and the 11th in Australia, the region has been proactive and transparent in sharing milestones along their sustainability journey, which expands beyond the tourism sector.

Through the support of the Queensland Government, the Eco-Certification Destination program is enabling 11 local government areas and regional tourism authorities with funding up to $150,000 to achieve globally recognised certifications.

Capricorn Coast boasts unparalleled marine and reef experiences. In addition, the region offers beautiful beaches, lush national parks, and charming coastal towns. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, and fishing in the pristine waters. Capricorn Coast completes the trifecta of Southern Great Barrier Reef regions, also including Bundaberg and Gladstone, implementing world class sustainable tourism through ECO Destination Certification.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Elissa Keenan noted “Ecotourism Australia are pleased to award ECO Destination Certification to Capricorn Coast, who have been champions in their commitment to internationally recognised sustainable tourism standards.

“Strong support from all stakeholders has been instrumental in this achievement and it has been incredible to see passion, dedication and collaboration from the council, Regional Tourism Organisation, Traditional Owners and local operators to reach the certification milestone.”

The certification was led by Livingstone Shire Council and supported by Capricorn Enterprise and local tourism industry stakeholders.

Development and Environment Committee Co-Chair, Councillor Pat Eastwood said achieving ECO Destination Certification is a significant milestone for Livingstone Shire, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism.

Eastwood shared “This achievement would not have been possible without the strong partnership between Council, Capricorn Enterprise, and Ecotourism Australia, as well as the essential funding from the Queensland Government's Department of Tourism and Sport. Additionally, the dedicated efforts of our project lead, Amy Druery, were crucial to our success.

“This certification not only puts Livingstone Shire on the map as a premier eco-friendly destination but also ensures that we continue to offer high-quality, sustainable tourism experiences. We are proud to join the ranks of globally recognised eco destinations and look forward to furthering our sustainable practices to benefit both our community and the environment.”

Capricorn Enterprise Chief Executive Mary Carroll added “achieving ECO Destination certification for the Capricorn Coast was identified in our Destination Tourism Strategy 2021-2030, not only in response to the fact that sustainability is moving out of niche sector tourism and into the mainstream, but to make a very clear statement about protecting the environmental, social and cultural values which make this community and destination so special.

“Capricorn Enterprise made a pledge at the National Regions Rising conference in 2022 hosted by the Regional Institute of Australia (RIA), that we would achieve the ECO Destination Certification by the end of 2024, but we have achieved it six months earlier, for which we are most proud.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Patricia O’Callaghan congratulated Capricorn Enterprise and Livingstone Shire Council on the Capricorn Coast’s ECO certification adding “more and more destinations in Queensland are becoming ECO certified which is part of a bigger strategy to maintain world best-practice standards and align with current global trends in nature-based tourism and ecotourism.

“The certification gives travellers confidence that destinations are committed to sustainable practices and offer high-quality nature-based tourism experiences."

ECO Destination Certification at the Ecotourism level assesses a region on more than 90 criteria across eight sections including Destination Management, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, and Social Wellbeing. By achieving ECO Destination Certification, Capricorn Coast joins a global network of more than 200 destinations in 60 countries through Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with Green Destinations.

Image: Aerial view of Keppel Bay Marine, Yeppoon, QLD. Credit: Capricorn Enterprise

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