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Ecotourism Australia had a stellar year in 2023-2024 as the increased demand for sustainable tourism continues and their ambition to inspire a more sustainable future for the tourism industry is creating real outcomes.

This week they have released their 2024 Annual Report highlighting how Ecotourism Australia continues to deliver their vision to lead tourism to be a catalyst for positive change.

Ecotourism Australia have also announced the following new Board appointments:

• Chair: Nat Burke (Head of Regenerative Climate, WWF Australia)
• Deputy Chair: Alysia Brandenburg, AbPs Consulting Services
• Robert Taylor (CEO, WAITOC)
• Wendy Hills (Wendy Hills Consulting)
• David Young (Director Sustainability, Accor Pacific)
• Sharon Raguse (CEO, Tourism Noosa)
• Amy Gash (General Manager Brand and Strategy, Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort)
• Jeff Gillies (Chief Commercial Officer, Coral Expeditions)

Amy Gash, Jeff Gillies, Sharon Raguse and David Young were welcomed by Ecotourism Australia as four new Directors to the Board of Directors for a two-year term.

Ecotourism Australia's newly appointed Chair Nat Burke welcomed the new Board and is looking forward to another year of positive impact for sustainable tourism.

Burke noted “Ecotourism Australia remains committed to leading the way in sustainable tourism, driven by the growing demand for responsible travel and our vision to inspire positive change. Our focus will be to continue supporting our Certified Operators and Destinations, Individual and Supporter members and partners to advocate for sustainable tourism within the industry.

“On behalf of Ecotourism Australia, I would like to welcome our new Directors and thank our outgoing Board Directors Caroline Densley of Diverse Travel and Janet Mackay of TRC Tourism for their many contributions to the organisation and the sector.

“We would also like to extend our appreciation to our members for taking the time to vote this year and we look forward to the fresh perspectives our new Directors will bring, complementing the expertise of our existing Board as we continue to drive the growth and development of Ecotourism Australia.”

Ecotourism Australia released their 2024 Annual Report this week which shows a commitment to mutually positive collaborations and partnerships with key industry bodies. The report highlights include:

• Ecotourism Australia now has some 2000 tours, attractions and accommodations Certified by Ecotourism Australia through ECO Certification or Sustainable Tourism Certification
• 11 Certified ECO Destinations including 4 newly certified this year (Bellingen Shire, Townsville, Gladstone Region and Capricorn Coast)
• 89 new ECO Certification applicants, a 27% increase on the last financial year
• More than 500 visitor economy businesses participating in the pre-certification Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program
• New strategic partners, Accommodation Australia and Caravan Industry of Australia
• Continued critical national partnerships with WWF Australia, Tourism Australia, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, Big Red Group, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, park agencies, Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), Accor Pacific and ReviewPro
• Maintained global partnerships with UN Tourism, Green Destinations and Travelife
• Hosted inaugural Global Sustainable Tourism Summit in Brisbane/Meanjin in June, themed ‘People, Planet, Place, and Purpose.’ The event attracted over 280 delegates, featured 62 speakers, and included representation from all Australian states and five international countries.

To read the full report click here

Ecotourism Australia supplied the following information on their new Board Directors

Amy Gash of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort (Certified Operator) – Amy and her family are the proud Custodians of Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Active in the tourism community, Amy has served on the Women in Tourism Gold Coast Committee and completed the Queensland Tourism Industry Council's Young Professional Mentoring Program. She has received several accolades, including the Young Achiever Award at the Queensland Tourism Awards in 2022 and the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year 'Environmental Warrior' award in 2023. Amy is dedicated to inspiring young people to pursue careers in sustainable tourism.

Jeff Gillies of Coral Expeditions (Certified Operator) - With over 30 years of leadership experience in the travel and tourism industry, Jeff brings a wealth of expertise across key sectors, including expedition cruises, major events, and hotel operations, particularly within the Asia Pacific region. A passionate advocate for sustainable tourism, he has led iconic businesses such as Cooinda Lodge Kakadu and the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel and has served as a Regional Director with Tourism Queensland. Currently, as the Chief Commercial Officer of Coral Expeditions, he oversees growth strategy and partnerships, including the company’s Hall of Fame recognition with Ecotourism Australia.

Jeff’s extensive governance experience includes serving on various advisory boards and committees focused on tourism and sustainability, such as Tourism Tropical North Queensland's Finance and Risk Committee, the Reef Authority Tourism Representative Advisory Committee, Savannah Way Ltd, and the Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee.

Sharon Raguse of Tourism Noosa (Corporate Supporter Member) - Sharon Raguse is a dedicated executive with over 25 years of regional tourism experience. She has held significant roles, including Manager of Tourism Development at BEDA, Regional Director at TEQ, and General Manager of Falls Creek Ski Lifts. Sharon has contributed to various Government Tourism Recovery Task Forces and served as a National Tourism Awards judge. Notably, she led recovery efforts for East Gippsland Shire Council, achieving global recognition ECO Destination Certification as Victoria’s first Ecotourism Australia Certified Destination. Since returning to Queensland as CEO of Tourism Noosa in August 2023, she focuses on reducing environmental impacts and promoting cultural awareness of the Kabi Kabi people.

David Young of Accor Pacific (Corporate Supporter Member) - David Young is a seasoned sustainability leader with extensive experience in the travel and hospitality sectors in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. As Director of Sustainability for Accor Pacific, he leads the region's sustainability strategies, focusing on Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia, carbon reduction, and diversity initiatives. David has also held key sustainability roles at Qantas Group and the Oneworld Airline alliance.

His governance roles include directorships at YHA Australia, Out for Australia, and the Golden Stave Foundation. A proud Gamilaroi man, David holds qualifications in commercial law, accounting, hospitality, and tourism management.

Together with returning Director Alysia Brandenburg of AbPs Consulting (elected-Deputy Chair), who join Nat Burke of WWF Australia (elected Chair), Wendy Hills of Wendy Hills Consulting and Robert Taylor of WAITOC form Ecotourism Australia’s Board for the next twelve months.

Ecotourism Australia added “we sincerely thank outgoing Board members Caroline Densley of Diverse Travel and Janet Mackay of TRC Tourism, Dr Claire Ellis of Claire Ellis Consulting and Peter Johnson of Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat who stood down earlier this year, for their incredible contribution to Ecotourism Australia and commitment to our principles and values.”

Image. Ecotourism Australia's 2023-24 Annual Report Cover

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