Australia tourism must become more sustainable to protect reputation

Australia reputation is at risk if the tourism industry does not become more sustainable according to Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Kym Cheatham speaking ahead of the national conference this month.

‘Australia relies heavily on its natural environment, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, kangaroos, sunshine and wide open spaces. In order to protect our brand and reputation, Australia’s tourism industry must become more sustainable, more ethical and more responsible. 

‘Otherwise we run the risk of failing to deliver on the promises we are making to our international markets,’ said Ms Cheatham.

The Global Eco Asia Pacific Tourism Conference will be staged by Ecotourism Australia in Noosa from 25-28 October, and Ms Cheatham said adapting to climate change would be high on the agenda.

Ms Cheatham cited The United Nations World Tourism Organisation identifying climate change as one of the 5 major threats facing the tourism industry, and urged the Australian industry and government, to get serious about protecting and promoting the importance of the environment, for a truly sustainable future.

“The industry is under enormous strain at the moment, with a range of factors including the high Australian dollar pushing many operators to the limit,” said Ms Cheatham.

“We are going to see a considerable percentage of businesses buckle, just at the time demand for ecotourism and nature-based experiences is flourishing.

“Our product is not cheap, so it needs to be of the highest quality with the most credible ecotourism credentials.  We cannot afford to compromise, for the long-term integrity of Australia as a brand.

Ms Cheatham championed ecotourism as a solution to the challenges of travel and climate change. She said the tourism industry must find ways to protect the natural asset upon which the tourism experience is built and to provide travellers with guilt free experiences. 

‘Those leading the industry have converted to 100 per cent renewable energy, installed solar panels, committed to recycling and significantly reduced the carbon footprint of their operation.

‘But they go further – encouraging guests to engage with the environment by highlighting local flora and fauna, offering opportunities to plant trees for example, or contribute to credible carbon offset programs; promoting local produce and encouraging others in their communities to adopt and promote sustainable business practices,’ said Ms Cheatham.

The final link in the chain is building more partnerships with indigenous communities and enabling indigenous Australians to participate in the tourism industry, to protect and promote their unique culture.

Ecotourism experiences are growing in Australia at about 20% a year and Ecotourism Australia has seen the number of ECO certified products double in the past 3 years.

Having recently returned from speaking to officials from a host of aspiring ecotourism countries, Ms Cheatham said she was delighted to see the likes of Peru, Chile, Cambodia and Vietnam vigorously pursuing certifications regimes as rigorous as the one Australia has in place.

“It was also a reminder that many other destinations are awake to the burgeoning interest in ecotourism, and we will have some fierce competition on our hands in a few short years.”

Ecotourism Australia is an active participant in the development of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, which is setting a baseline of global standards to help international consumers recognise and choose the most sustainable tourism products in every destination.

Ms Cheatham reported the Korean government has committed $80 million (AUS) to develop ten ecotourism operations around its country, with the first one already operation.

“There is strong domestic support for this operation already, which indicates we may have another market to tap in to if Koreans are enthused by their experiences domestically.”

Ms Cheatham is very positive about Australia’s opportunities for ecotourism despite the rugged trading conditions at present.

“There is no sign of the pressure easing on the industry, and one of the great things about Global Eco is it’s an opportunity for some creative thinking and some new ideas so help focus the industry on the future.”

Global Eco Asia Pacific Tourism conference is being held 25 – 28 October at the recently opened Outrigger Resort & Spa, Little Hastings Street Noosa.

More information:  www.globaleco.com.au
 

Valere Tjolle
Get free sustainable tourism reports from Vision on Sustainable Tourism HERE

Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suitewww.travelmole.com/stories/1143624.php