Port Macquarie-Hastings to turn into a certified eco-tourism destination

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Port Macquarie-Hastings, Australian local government area, is among six additional bushfire impacted places to get the aid in building up and revitalizing their local economies with the help of nature-based tourism. Credit goes to a recent partnership between Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia.

The Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie-Hastings in New South Wales, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Scenic Rim in south-east Queensland will make the most from the collaboration and start their journey to become certified Eco Destinations.
WWF-Australia will be supporting each of the regions with a two-year $30,000 package. It would cover all costs to progress through Ecotourism Australia’s Eco Destination program.

Rod Hillman, Ecotourism Australia’s chief executive explained that he was quite happy to have the six new destinations join the program.

“We are working hard to support our tourism industry that has been hit hard in 2020 by bushfires and COVID and can see tangible benefits for regional tourism through this funding program,” he said.

With the constant insist for sustainable travel experiences growing all through the world, Mr. Hillman stated that the Eco Destination Certification program makes sure to the travelers that certified destinations are supported by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and offer high-class nature-based tourism experiences within the region.

WWF-Australia’s CEO Dermot O’Gorman explained that the joint venture would help in restoring the local economies affected by bushfire.

“The devastating double blow of the fires and pandemic has left many communities that depend on tourism hurting like never before. This partnership will help Australia’s nature-based tourism sector get back on its feet and support tourism activities that are good for both people and the environment,” he said.

« Back to Page

• Saudi Arabia and UAE set the standard for eco-tourism in the region

• J&K’s largest wildlife protected wetland in Kashmir being developed as major eco-tourism destination

• Ecotourism giving rare iguanas a sweet tooth

• Eco-tourism destination coming up at Orgram in East Burdwan

• Hatta eco-tourism destination witnesses happy campers or ‘glampers’