Partners and Accreditation

The ECO Certification program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences.

The definition of ecotourism adopted by Ecotourism Australia is: "Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".

Holiday-makers and travellers will easily be able to judge the efforts being made by tourism operators to reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of their operation with Climate Action Australia.

The Climate Action Certification Program is dedicated to ranking efforts to reduce carbon emissions. It is designed for all sectors of the tourism industry including hotels, attractions, tours, transport, restaurants, travel agents, tourism commissions and industry bodies.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) are an independent body that establishes and manages global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism with the aim of increasing sustainable tourism knowledge and practices.

The GSTC Approved tick logo means that our ECO certified products are certified under a certification program that uses a Global Sustainable Tourism Council recognised standard, follows processes and procedures that have been reviewed and approved by the GSTC, and that the certification procedures largely meet international standards for transparency, impartiality, and competence.

The Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) certifies tourism businesses that meet specific quality assurance criteria ensuring they are committed to exceeding consumer expectations with great customer service and the highest standards of business practice. All ATAP accredited businesses undertake regular onsite audits to ensure compliance.

Tourism Kangaroo Island (TKI) is an incorporated, non-profit, co-operative body that is responsible for marketing Kangaroo Island as a tourism destination. TKI is pivotal in management, leadership and the development of tourism on the Island.

The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is committed to growing the state’s tourism industry. The commission is part of the South Australian Government and promotes the state as a holiday destination.

The SATC’s purpose is to work with industry to deliver marketing, events and development programs that support tourism growth. 

Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for attracting international visitors to Australia and encouraging Australians to travel domestically, both for leisure and business events.

The organisation is active in around 30 key markets and activities include advertising, PR and media programs, trade shows and industry programs, consumer promotions, online communications and consumer research.

The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) requires commercial tour operators to be licensed in order to maintain sustainable tourism in parks and reserves. Eligibility for a three year licence is subject to businesses having current certification under one of 4 accreditation and certification programs recognised by the DEWNR. The licence ensures that tourism operators work in partnership with government to ensure sustainable use as well as minimising the impacts from commercial tourism on parks, reserves and marine mammals.