June 11, 2021 - CASSOWARY COAST’S JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ECO CERTIFIED DESTINATION
In a major boost to the region’s local tourism industry, Cassowary Coast Regional Council is joining Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification program and has begun the journey towards becoming a Certified ECO Destination.
The ECO Destination Certification Program is a world first by Ecotourism Australia. The program was developed to identify genuine ecotourism and nature tourism experiences in Australia. The ECO Destination Certification is part of an international program with Green Destinations providing the certified region, international recognition and opportunities.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Councillor and Environment portfolio holder Jeff Baines said as a destination the region offered world heritage listed locations such as the heart of the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef on our doorstep. Visitors come for our beautiful environment and unique wildlife, such as the Southern Cassowary, and to connect with traditional culture, so achieving ECO Destination Certification will officially recognise our world class natural experiences and attract new visitors to our stunning area.
“We already have a variety of nature-based experiences offered here and it is the ideal time to build on this. The certification will assure visitors that our destination provides high-quality nature-based tourism experiences, which has a well-managed commitment to quality and sustainable practices.
“Gaining the world recognised ECO Destination certification will set the Cassowary Coast apart from other destinations,” said Councillor Baines.
“Many travellers want to visit places that make them feel good. Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable with a focus on experiencing natural areas and is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism.
“In Covid recovery, there is no better place than the Cassowary Coast - here you can experience sceneries that are unique to this area and offer you freedom to escape from the crowds. There really is something for everyone in our region and our destination will be ready to welcome eco-minded international tourists when the borders reopen.”
Council is asking businesses to share their sustainability stories as part of the journey towards the Cassowary Coast receiving ECO Destination Certification. Businesses can also undergo ECO Certification themselves. Find out how to join the journey by visiting www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/ecotourism-certification or emailing ecodestination@ccrc.qld.gov.au.