[Terrigal] The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre has received Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Business certification from Ecotourism Australia and Centre Manager, John Asquith, couldn’t be happier.
“Our volunteers and staff have been working very hard to achieve this recognition,” Asquith said. “We all understood that in order to grow, provide quality service and satisfy our customers we need to be continually improving. “Part of this improvement was to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise our use of resources.
“The Marine Centre has achieved this in construction by reusing materials and in operation by installing solar panels.” Asquith said achieving the accreditation involved a review of the Centre’s education programs, safety, costs, training and marketing.
“Over the next few years, our tours, products and programs will provide increasing value for locals and tourists,” he said. “Nature based tourism with walks, talks, good food and enjoyment of the beautiful Central Coast marine environment is expected to grow.”
In a letter advising of the accreditation, EcoTourism Australia said the Marine Centre was an “exemplary” operator in terms of “ecological sustainability, natural area management and provision of authentic cultural experiences”.
The centre will now be listed in the organisation’s Green Travel Guide and will need to meet requirements of regular criteria upgrades. Asquith said the Marine Centre was looking to partner with and provide assistance to other like-minded operators to help them become Ecotourism businesses.
Source: Media release, Aug 29 Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre Media statement, Aug 30 John Asquith, Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre