The Central Coast has officially achieved ECO Destination Certification with Ecotourism Australia following a 20-month journey.
A Central Coast Council spokesperson said the Coast is one of the first regions in the country to be recognised for its strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and high-quality, nature-based tourism experiences.
“Achieving ECO Destination Certification recognises the Central Coast as a world-class location for sustainable and nature-based tourism, which will provide a substantial and ongoing boost to the local economy,” the spokesperson said.
The announcement comes just before World Environment Day’s 50th anniversary year, which encourages countries around the globe to celebrate #OnlyOneEarth through collective environmental action.
Council Director Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Natalia Cowley, said it was exciting to see the region receiving formal recognition on an international level as an ecotourism destination of choice.
“We are thrilled in our role in achieving this recognition and to announce our successful official ECO Destination Certification for the Central Coast, and what this means for our local community,” Cowley said.
“Statistically, we know that ecotourists stay longer, are more conscious travellers and are more interested in a region’s local community, nature, and culture.
An independent auditor assigned by Ecotourism Australia reviewed Council’s submission and conducted interviews with staff, stakeholders and tourism operators on the Central Coast prior to the certification being granted.
“Central Coast Council is to be commended for their sustainability planning including being only the second region in NSW, and the third in the whole of Australia to apply for Destination Certification through Ecotourism Australia,” the auditor said.
“Rarely have I seen such commitment to pursue what is very much a brand rebuild for the Central Coast community as well as the Council.
“The Central Coast will no longer be a ‘corridor’ for travellers between Sydney and Newcastle.”
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said becoming an accredited ECO Destination was a priority action in the Destination Management Plan and will now encourage further growth in the tourism sector.
“The Central Coast is known to be rich in world-class, nature-based tourist attractions which confirms the region as one that is well-placed to attract an increasing number of visitors seeking sustainable tourism experiences,” Hart said.
“Tourism is an important pillar of the Central Coast economy, and ecotourism will play an integral role in ensuring our region is front of mind for responsible and conscious visitors, based on globally recognised sustainability principles.”
Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer, Elissa Keenan, said the organisation is excited to see the region continue to flourish through its commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
The region now has six ECO certified operators and nine ECO Certification applicants – the largest regional cohort on the ECO Destination certification program.
The ECO Destination Certification has been achieved through an Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia funded partnership as part of WWF-Australia’s Wildlife & Nature Recovery Fund.
Source:
Media release, Jun 2
Central Coast Council