Ecotourism opportunities

Bridging nature tourism and sustainable tourism, the definition of ‘ecotourism’ adopted by Ecotourism Australia is: 

"Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation."

Ecotourism has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the tourism industry. More travellers are demanding authentic, unique, environmentally sustainable experiences. This is why Destination Central Coast started the ECO Destination accreditation process back in 2020. From May 2022 we are proud to announce the Central Coast is a certified ECO Destination! This was achieved through an Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia funded partnership. We can already see the benefits to industry and the wider community, with visitors staying longer and spending more. 

Ecotourism is also identified as a key strategic priority for the Central Coast. It's a focus of both the Central Coast Destination Management Plan (2022-2025) and the Tourism Opportunity Plan (2019-24), further supported by the region's overarching status as one of Australia's first few ECO Destinations.

Achieving ECO Destination certification in 2022 recognises the Central Coast as a world-class destination for sustainable, nature-based tourism. It highlights the Coast's commitment to quality and sustainable practices, which many of our business community already share at the core of their operations. It gives conscious travellers a clear snapshot of the best eco-friendly experiences, attractions, and accommodation the Central Coast has to offer!

Whether it's our destination certification or your business pursuing accreditation, the benefits are experienced by the entire visitor economy and community.

• Build the Central Coast's profile as a region rich in unique, authentic ecotourism experiences
• Attract eco-conscious travellers who stay longer and spend more than average visitors
• Develop our signature ecotourism products
• Grow traveller interest in our region's local community, nature and culture
• Encourage more eco-conscious, sustainably-minded operators
• Provide sustainable local employment and training opportunities
• Activate ECO accreditation framework as a business development tool
• Create an environment where the Ecotourism Industry thrives
• Join a global network of like-minded sustainable tourism organisations
• Share best practice among our ECO operators through networking and mentoring
• Destination management practices align with international best practice sustainability standards.

There are currently 8 ECO Certified experiences on the Central Coast, plus several more 'ECO Applicants' on their sustainability journey – we’d love to see more! Help us celebrate this status using the assets available in our ECO Toolkit below.

We invite all Central Coast tourism businesses to learn more about ECO certification and join our region on this journey. You’ll become part of a passionate group of like-minded local tourism operators and receive marketing and PR opportunities through Destination Central Coast. You will also have the opportunity to access business support from Ecotourism Australia.

You can find more information on certification with Ecotourism Australia via their website, including eligibility, benefits, the process and fees. As a first step we encourage you to enquire with their team to check which certification program is best for your business.

Not quite ready to undertake a full certification program yet? Learn more about Ecotourism Australia's Strive for Sustainability Scorecard, a new pathway program for any visitor economy business looking to start their sustainability journey.     

Central Coast businesses who achieve ECO Certification all join our wider ECO Destination journey and benefit from:

• Tailored Love Central Coast Business Listing with ECO accreditation badge
• Love Central Coast ‘News’ editorial feature
• Profile on our destination Ecotourism Hub
• Social media features in ecotourism campaigns to 60k+ audience
• Feature in The Green Travel Guide Central Coast profile
• Media opportunities on eco and sustainable travel themes
• Pitch for Ecotourism Australia socials and monthly newsletter to 20k+ audience
• Referral letters for award nominations from Council and/or Ecotourism Australia

Be part of the ecotourism community by choosing to pursue one of two leading certification programs with Ecotourism Australia, recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Explore the Essentials guide brochures below to find out more about the ECO Certification program for business, and the latest Sustainable Tourism Certification program, for a wider range of businesses including hotels, attractions, tours, transport, restaurants, breweries, and others.

Environmental management not only benefits the environment, it can also be brilliant for business. Whether you're a small business or large enterprise, there are ways to manage your impact and benefit from cost savings, awards, boost in your business reputation, resource recovery and more.

Easily find support and grants in this space with the government resources available at Business.gov.au