Supporting more sustainable tourism with a lighter footprint on a World Heritage environment, the City of Blue Mountains, New South Wales, will join an established global network of like-minded destinations striving for excellence.
Blue Mountains Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rosemary Dillon said the Eco Destination Certification Program is an internationally-recognised program that approves destinations committed to sustainable practices and to quality, nature-based tourism experiences.
“Council will manage the certification within Ecotourism’s framework and will receive funding and support for two years from the Ecotourism Australia-World Wildlife Fund for Nature Australia (WWF-Australia) partnership.”
Ecotourism Australia works with the Global Sustainable Tourism Standard Council (GSTC) to certify Ecotourism.
This certification recognises that the Blue Mountains meets 90 percent of the GSTC-recognised Green Destinations standard.
Mayor, Mark Greenhill, said, “I’m incredibly proud that our region will be recognised as a world-class ecotourism destination.
“This certification will help us effectively promote our region to the increasing proportion of travellers who are hungry for sustainable travel experiences.
“It’s the stamp of approval that we are who we say we are – an authentic destination for environmentally aware visitors.”
The Blue Mountains is one of six bushfire-affected regions selected for funding to join the program, as part of Ecotourism Australia’s partnership with the WWF-Australia.
Rod Hillman, Chief Executive Officer Ecotourism Australia, said, “More than ever we are finding new ways of working to grow sustainability in our sector, creating lasting outcomes for tourism, our communities and conservation.
“Our partnership with WWF-Australia is crucial in our work with bushfire impacted destinations like the Blue Mountains.”
