Media Release: Ecotourism Australia welcomes new members to Tourism Australia Board
Ecotourism Australia joins the tourism industry in welcoming the new members to the Board of Tourism Australia. Andrew Fairley, Anna Guillan and Tony South bring a diverse and strong set of skills, complemented by hands on and strategic experience, that will lead Tourism Australia as it moves forward within its new policy direction. We are particularly proud to see former Director of Ecotourism Australia, Andrew Fairley, with his wealth of experience in ecotourism, conservation, parks and resort management bringing his extensive knowledge, negotiating skills and depth of understanding to the Board. We congratulate all the new Board appointments and wish them well.
Media Release: TQUAL ceases to operate as of 30th June 2014
We have been advised that TQUAL will cease to operate as of COB 30th June 2014. The Government has advised that the tender process failed to produce an industry body considered suitable to deliver the program and as such it will cease immediately.
As they have advised us one hour before it comes into effect it is completely unreasonable for tour operators to enact any of their required actions, especially during a busy school holiday period. We advise you to just be aware at this stage whilst we work with the government to determine the future. This has been poorly handled where the Government has encouraged tour operators and certification organisations to invest in the TQUAL program for it all to be withdrawn with an hour’s notice.
Australia is now left with a void where tourism certification programs no longer have an agreed standard to assess their programs. Fortunately Ecotourism Australia has maintained its recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for our Eco-certification program that provides genuine reassurance for Eco-certified operators and customers who choose to travel with quality operators.
ECO Certification Workshop - Port Augusta, SA
Ecotourism Australia, with the support of SA Arid Lands, held an ECO Certification workshop for Flinders Ranges and Outback region ecotourism operators (Wednesday 25th June in Port Augusta). The workshop was a great success - giving operators an opportunity to complete their application with face-to-face coaching and also providing information on how to meet the National Landscapes conservation criteria. South Australian Tourism Industry Council were also there on the day to lend a hand with the Business Management requirements of certification. We look forward to having these wonderful operators certified and working with them further on their sustainability journey!
Our Planet Travel launches Life on the Green Road
Our Planet Travel is a member of Ecotourism Australia and has just launched Life on the Green Road. Read more below about the exciting news!
Savannah Guides School - El Questro - 09-12 October 2014 - “Guiding Skills in the Kimberley”
Savannah Guides invites you to El Questro in the amazing Kimberley for our next Savannah Guides School. This four day workshop will showcase the dramatic landscape of the region, its frontier history and the enormous tourism future of Australia’s North West. El Questro Wilderness Park is an iconic destination covering over one million acres and boasting spectacular settings for its diverse accommodation and Ranger guided tours, barramundi fishing, horse trekking and helicopter adventures. Our activities will explore the park environment and develop a range of guiding skills. Please join us at the El Questro Savannah Guides School for some fascinating field trips, interactive professional development and a lot of fun!
Register for the 2014 Victorian Tourism Conference
Join the Victorian Tourism Industry Council in Geelong for the 2014 Victorian Tourism Conference 14-15 July.
Leaders and innovators urged to enter Premier's Sustainability Awards
Victorians who have demonstrated leadership in sustainability are being encouraged to enter the Premier's Sustainability Awards 2014 to showcase their work.