AusLeisure

A significant new plan to recognise the Port Douglas and Daintree Region as the first eco-certified region in Australia has been welcomed by the industry.

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree Executive Officer Tara Bennett said the foundations were already in place with many of the nature-based tourism feature found in the Douglas Shire Council region qualifying it for the ecotourism accreditation tick of approval.

Bennett explained “we live in an area of outstanding natural beauty that is globally significant, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

“Our operators are committed to protecting, preserving and ensuring long-term, sustainable tourism experiences that are authentic, memorable and safe.”

Bennett said many of the Douglas region’s ecotourism businesses are small to medium sized enterprises, advising “ecotourism is about ensuring best practices across the board, whether you are a small independent tour guide or are larger commercial operation.”

Under the new program being driven by the Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, and Ecotourism Australia, operators will be given guidance and assistance to complete their eco-accreditation.

Bennett added “our industry continues to set the benchmark high, and I look forward to working with trade to showcase these tourism operators as more and more become officially accredited.

“The pilot program will see Douglas Shire Council provide financial assistance to kickstart the process, with Ecotourism Australia providing mentoring for businesses to help guide them along the way.”

Bennett said the European markets, particularly Germany, are showing the strongest interest in eco-accreditation, while the younger generations in the US and China Japan have a rapidly growing appreciation for environmental credentials.

She concluded “there is a real opportunity here for the Douglas Shire to turn its unrivalled environmental reputation into a competitive advantage through the delivery of sustainable authentic sustainable tourism practices.”

Currently, there are 21 operators providing eco-certified tourism experiences as as per the Green Travel Guide on www.ecotourism.org.au 

Image: Port Douglas from the air.

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