Tourism business operators will meet to explore ways to promote ecotourism across the Central Coast region.
In partnership with Ecotourism Australia, Destination Central Coast will outline benefits and opportunities available for tourism businesses.
The half-day event on Friday, May 28, will include sessions led by Ecotourism Australia CEO, Rod Hillman, and Relationships Manager, Alyssa Sanders, as well as stories shared by local eco certified operators.
Participants will learn more about the Coast’s journey to achieve an internationally recognised ECO Destination Certification by 2022, which can help to protect and support the region’s natural assets.
Destination Central Coast is managing the region’s application with the goal of improving the overall visitor economy and creating ecotourism opportunities for business owners.
A special funding incentive for the region’s nature-based businesses ready to take the next step toward ECO Certification will be announced at the event.
The free event is being sponsored by Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures.
The Central Coast is home to a vast array of world-class, nature-based tourist attractions and becoming a certified as an ECO Destination would give the region an internationally recognised stamp of approval and help attract an increasing number of visitors seeking sustainable travel experiences.
There are currently five operators on the Coast already certified with Ecotourism Australia. They are:
TreeTops in Ourimbah State Forest (Advanced Ecotourism and Ecotourism certified); Peak Potential Adventures at Charmhaven (Ecotourism certified); Aquafun Avoca Lake (Ecotourism certified; Noonaweena at Kulnura (Advanced Ecotourism and Nature Tourism certified; and Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre at Terrigal (Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Business certified.
Sue Murray