> > by Tanya Joslin
Being an eco-aware traveller is easier than you might think, thanks to growing industry support and a wealth of stunning properties which are striving to embrace sustainable principles.
The travel industry as a whole has made massive leaps and bounds when it comes to being more 'green'. From giving guests the opportunity to cut down on resources such aswater and electricity, not to mention man hours, to installing sophisticated water-saving devices, hotels and resorts are doing their bit to keep their footprint light and become more sustainable – but are we holding up our end of the bargain to ensure that these initiatives actually make it across the line?
Many of us, if we are honest, could probably pay a teeny tiny bit more attention to the cards in our rooms, advising us on how we can ‘do our bit’. And we could, perhaps, be a bit more aware with the choices we make when we leave our hotel or resort to explore. There are even things we could do before we leave home which can conserve and preserve.
We’ve compiled an easy eco check-list as a first step in becoming a more thoughtful and aware traveller. Not everybody might be willing to dedicate themselves to true eco-destinations, but the good news is that we can still stay at our favourite hotels and resorts and, with a few simple steps, make a difference!
Q&A with Eco Tourism Australia's Kym Cheatham …
What defines a true 'eco' destination?
When the tourism experience is not just IN nature but it’s ABOUT nature – the ultimate result being that visitors acquire a thorough understanding about the importance of the environment they are visiting (both the natural and cultural significance) and leave with a desire to conserve it.
Is there a spectrum in eco-tourism – a difference between an 'eco-friendly' resort and a true eco-lodge?
To be ECO certified, at least 50% of the tourism experience must be about the natural environment but from there the experience can become more in-depth. ‘Eco’ credentials are easy to claim but travellers should always look for independent assessment and verification of those claims, otherwise it’s potentially ‘green washing’. Similarly, businesses should be specific about what they are doing to substantiate green claims so that travellers can make informed decisions.
Is there a difference between eco and sustainable tourism?
All experiences within the tourism industry can be sustainable if they try – by managing their environmental impact in both the development of the product and in the ongoing operation. However, only products with experiences that are based in nature can be considered eco-tourism.
How do businesses become fully accredited members of Ecotourism Australia?
ECO certification is a comprehensive triple bottom line program. Tourism businesses need to prove they have good business management skills, extensive environmental management and are supportive of the local community’s culture and economy. Their application is independently assessed and audited to ensure they meet and continue to adhere to the ECO certification standard.
How has the travel industry evolved and become more 'green'?
There has been a substantial growth in the number of tourism organisations striving to achieve ECO certification over the past few years. So much so that we now have over 1000 products in every state and territory certified through us. We have also seen a growth in interest from government looking to independent programs like ECO certification for verification of environmental responsibility.
There is no doubt the growth in consumers’ environmental awareness in all their other choices in life is spilling over to the decisions they make when they travel. Ecotourism is no longer a niche market – it is mainstream.
Can you recommend a romantic eco-chic experience?
Just the two of you, watching the sun go down across the spectacular Australian landscape, whether its casting its rays across mountains, plains, deserts or oceans, enjoying the silence, and preferably with a glass of Australian wine ...
The Green Travel Guide Australia
RRP$39.95