Rod Hillman announces his resignation as Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive

October 29, 2021

Environment / Tourism /

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Rod Hillman, has announced his resignation during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), after almost nine years as its Chief Executive.

Ecotourism Australia Chair, Claire Ellis, and Board of Directors wish him all the best in his future work and thank him for the massive contribution he has made to Ecotourism Australia.

During his tenure, Hillman significantly strengthened the organisation, introducing new programs, forging new partnerships and building up the organisation’s strong and professional team.

Hillman leaves the organisation in a strong and secure financial position, having built a mutually beneficial partnership with the protected area management agencies around Australia and introduced the ECO Destinations program.

Hillman also led the organisation’s transition to run its programs 100% online and further cemented the international and national recognition of the value and quality of Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs.

Despite the difficulties that COVID, and before that drought, bushfires and other natural disasters placed on Ecotourism Australia members, Hillman continually led improvement and change, helping shift the organisation from being seen as a certification business to an organisation that leads and supports the industry to improve.

An example of this is the recent partnership with WWF-Australia, which uses the ECO Destination program to sustainably develop regions impacted by bushfires and help contribute to their resilience.

Chair, Claire Ellis (pictured above), said a testimony to Hillman’s achievements was the ongoing strength of the organisation’s membership levels, with 50% of certified members having been certified for ten years or longer.

Ellis advised “Ecotourism Australia is currently undergoing a number of major changes. Ecotourism Australia’s new vision and strategic planning will allow us to deliver even greater value to our members and build on the solid platform Rod has created to provide the thought leadership the industry is seeking around sustainability - a current major global and domestic trend.

“While his drive and commitment to the role and the organisation will be missed, the Ecotourism Australia Board and staff wish him well, knowing he will continue to be a passionate supporter of Australia’s nature-based tourism industry.”

Hillman leaves the organisation in a strong position. The recruitment process for his replacement is starting immediately and an advert will appear on SEEK within the next few days.

The updated list of Ecotourism Australia Board members, as also voted during today’s AGM, is available here.

1st July 2021 - Ecotourism Australia launches new version of Green Travel Guide

31st March 2021 - Ecotourism Australia calls for return of JobKeeper to those who need it

27th February 2021 - Ecotourism Australia continues to call for funding support from Federal Government

3rd February 2021 - Ecotourism Australia highlights ending JobKeeper will see many businesses suffer

14th December 2020 - Ecotourism Australia reviews 2020 Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference

25th November 2020 - Leading ecotourism businesses inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame

4th November 2020 - Ecotourism Australia partners with WWF Australia to support bushfire-affected tourism destinations

24th October 2020 - Ecotourism Australia announces new directors

7th October 2020 - Ecotourism Australia questions ‘optimistic’ budget assumptions

24th September 2020 - Ecotourism Australia implores governments for ongoing support of natural attractions and ecotourism experiences

12th August 2020 - Ecotourism Australia’s annual conference offers inaugural online streaming

3rd August 2020 - Ecotourism Australia waivers certification renewals while also planning for Global Eco Conference

11th March 2018 - Townsville to host 2018 Ecotourism Australia conference

23rd July 2015 - Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification Gains Global Approval

4th February 2013 - New Chief Executive for Ecotourism Australia

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