Cassowary Coast To Capture Potential As Ecotourism Destination

The Cassowary Coast is on the journey to become an accredited ECO Destination through the Ecotourism Australia’s globally recognised program with a pledge to achieve certification by the end of 2024.

Achieving ECO Destination certification will recognise the Cassowary Coast as a world-class destination for sustainable, nature-based tourism and showcase our destination’s commitment to quality sustainable practices. It will also give conscious travellers a clear snapshot of the sustainable, eco-friendly experiences, attractions and accommodation that our destination offers.

Councillor Renee McLeod, portfolio holder for Tourism and Economic Development, said Council would like to see the Cassowary Coast region achieve certification by the end of 2024.

“In order to prepare for a changing climate and transitioning economy, like other regional Queensland towns we need to future-proof our tourism industry.

“The Cassowary Coast is at the heart of two World Heritage areas - the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, each with numerous spectacular natural assets. Through investing in sustainable tourism, we have an opportunity to be a regional leader, protect our natural assets and appeal to the increasing number of travellers seeking sustainable travel experiences.

“Our environment is like no other and implementing practices across destination management, nature and scenery, environment and climate, culture and tradition, business and hospitality, will be essential to expanding our potential as a sustainable destination, new business ventures and employment opportunities in our region.

“The certification process will rely on successful partnership and collaboration with tourism industry and operators to achieve Eco Destination Certification by 2024.

“Although Council is responsible for managing certification, as a region the Cassowary Coast’s management practices and activities will be assessed independently.” said Councillor McLeod. 

Cassowary Coast Tourism, Executive Officer Patrick Bluett said the region is already heading in the right direction with several local operators already eco-certified. We are now looking for more operators to get on board to establish the program in this area and help establish us as an authentic destination for environmentally conscious visitors.

“Council will be working closely with our team at Cassowary Coast Tourism to speak with local tourism operators and other businesses connected to the visitor-economy on how we can all contribute.

“It will be a collaborative effort to work with our industry to see operators achieve their own certification which recognises a business’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible tourism,” said Mr Bluett.

The Cassowary Coast region was a recipient of the Eco-certified Tourism Destination program grant in 2022, introduced by the Queensland Government, to help both applicant destinations and new destinations start or complete a globally recognised certification process. Cassowary Coast Regional Council has applied for Eco Destination certification and must now work through the assessment process of sustainability criteria.

Interested local businesses wanting to consider where they are on their sustainability journey can utilise Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, a great first step before certification, find information here www.ecotourism.org.au/strive-4-sustainability.

Businesses working with the visitor-economy can also consider completing an Ecotourism Australia Business Certification Program.

Further information on Ecotourism Certification and resources can be found here: yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/eco-destination-certification