Australia Elevates Sustainable Tourism as Six Operators Enter Ecotourism Hall of Fame After Two Decades of ECO Certification

Written By: Somudranil Sarkar

Somudranil Sarkar

Somudranil Sarkar is a literary artist whose writing blends precision with imagination, delving deep into human emotions and societal constructs. As a writer, he crafts stories that breathe life into abstract ideas, creating worlds where language serves as both paint and canvas. As an editor, Sarkar shapes narratives that resonate globally, elevating writing beyond grammar to tell meaningful, profound stories. His work challenges readers to reflect, question, and understand the world more deeply. With his unique vision, Sarkar pushes boundaries, leaving a lasting imprint on both literature and the way we connect through words.

See Full Bio

June 30, 2026 6:31 AM

Image generated with Ai

Australia ecotourism, Ecotourism Hall of Fame, ECO Certification, sustainable tourism Australia, and the Green Travel Guide have once again been placed at the forefront of the country’s tourism industry after six long-standing operators were inducted into the prestigious Ecotourism Hall of Fame. The recognition has been awarded following two decades of uninterrupted ECO Certification, highlighting an enduring commitment to responsible tourism, environmental stewardship and industry-leading sustainability practices. Through this milestone, Australia’s position as a global leader in environmentally responsible tourism has been further strengthened, while travellers and travel advisors have been presented with independently verified experiences that continue to uphold internationally recognised sustainability standards.

The latest induction has been regarded as one of the most significant acknowledgements within Australia’s ecotourism sector. It has demonstrated that long-term environmental responsibility, conservation efforts and authentic visitor experiences can continue to thrive together while supporting regional communities and protecting some of the country’s most remarkable natural landscapes.

Which Australian Operators Have Been Inducted into the Ecotourism Hall of Fame?

Six tourism businesses have officially secured their place in the Ecotourism Hall of Fame after maintaining continuous ECO Certification for twenty years.

The newly inducted operators include Townsville City Council’s Eco Catchment Tours, Heron Island Resort, APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, Odyssey Expeditions, Cape York Motorcycle Adventures and Explore Group Australia, formerly known as Explore Hamilton Island. Their sustained dedication to environmentally responsible tourism has been recognised through the highest honour presented by Ecotourism Australia.

These businesses have represented diverse tourism experiences across some of Australia’s most spectacular and remote destinations. Their operations have ranged from reef exploration and rainforest adventures in Queensland to wilderness expeditions across the Kimberley and specialised four-wheel-drive and motorcycle journeys through Far North Australia. Their consistent commitment to sustainability has allowed them to become industry benchmarks for responsible tourism.

What Makes the Ecotourism Hall of Fame So Prestigious?

The Ecotourism Hall of Fame has been established as the highest level of recognition awarded by Ecotourism Australia to its certified members.

Only tourism operators that have successfully maintained uninterrupted ECO Certification for two consecutive decades have been considered eligible for induction. With the addition of these six businesses, the Hall of Fame has now grown to include more than seventy distinguished operators whose achievements have reflected exceptional environmental management and responsible tourism practices over many years.

The recognition has not been awarded simply for longevity. Instead, it has acknowledged consistent compliance with independently verified sustainability standards while encouraging ongoing innovation, conservation and responsible visitor engagement throughout Australia’s tourism industry.

How Have Additional Operators Been Recognised for Sustainability Excellence?

The celebration has extended beyond the Hall of Fame through the announcement of new Green Travel Leaders.

Eight additional operators have achieved Green Travel Leader status after completing ten years of continuous ECO Certification. Those recognised include Whitsunday Jetski Tours, Sunrover Tours, Pacific Whale Foundation Australia, Mungalla Station, Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, Down Under Cruise & Dive, The Adventure Company and Brisbane Whale Watching.

These businesses have strengthened Australia’s portfolio of independently verified sustainable tourism products. Their recognition has expanded the range of environmentally responsible experiences available for travel advisors seeking trusted recommendations for increasingly sustainability-focused travellers.

The Green Travel Leader designation has further reinforced confidence among visitors who actively seek authentic travel experiences supported by independently assessed environmental standards.

Why Has This Year Been Particularly Significant for Ecotourism Australia?

The latest Hall of Fame induction has coincided with several major milestones for Ecotourism Australia.

The organisation has celebrated thirty years since the creation of the world’s first national ECO Certification program while also marking its thirty-fifth anniversary. These achievements have reflected decades of leadership in sustainable tourism certification and environmental advocacy.

Chief Executive Officer Elissa Keenan explained that Hall of Fame induction represents the highest honour available to certified operators. According to her, the six recognised businesses have demonstrated unwavering dedication to globally recognised sustainability standards over twenty years while continuously raising expectations for world-class ecotourism across Australia.

Their achievements have illustrated how long-term environmental responsibility can successfully coexist with commercial tourism operations while delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

Why Does ECO Certification Matter for Travellers and the Tourism Industry?

ECO Certification has continued to play a critical role in helping travellers distinguish genuinely sustainable tourism experiences from unverified environmental claims.

Independent certification has provided an objective assessment of tourism businesses against recognised sustainability standards. As environmental awareness continues to influence travel purchasing decisions, independently verified accreditation has become increasingly valuable for both consumers and travel professionals.

APT Travel Group Chief Product Officer Mladen Vukic stated that certification by Ecotourism Australia has strengthened credibility by providing guests with confidence that their journeys have been genuinely sustainable and independently verified. For APT Travel Group’s Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, certification has also created a meaningful competitive advantage while attracting environmentally conscious travellers and strengthening trust among trade partners.

This independent verification process has become an increasingly important factor as sustainability expectations continue to grow throughout the international tourism market.

How Has Cape York Motorcycle Adventures Demonstrated Long-Term Sustainability?

Cape York Motorcycle Adventures has achieved a particularly notable milestone within the adventure tourism sector.

The company became the world’s first motorcycle tour operator to obtain ECO Certification in 2006. Two decades later, its induction into the Ecotourism Hall of Fame has reflected the consistency of its environmental commitment.

Director Renae Kunda explained that twenty years of certification have represented decades of actively supporting responsible tourism practices, caring for Country and demonstrating that adventure tourism and environmental sustainability can successfully exist together.

The recognition has reinforced the idea that even high-adventure tourism products can operate while maintaining rigorous environmental standards and responsible management practices.

How Does the Green Travel Guide Support Sustainable Tourism?

All certified tourism businesses have continued to be featured within the Green Travel Guide.

The platform has provided travellers and travel advisors with access to more than 2,700 independently certified sustainable tourism experiences throughout Australia. By offering verified information in one central location, the guide has simplified the process of identifying responsible travel products that genuinely meet recognised sustainability standards.

As demand for environmentally conscious holidays continues to rise, the Green Travel Guide has become an increasingly valuable resource for visitors seeking trusted recommendations while encouraging greater industry transparency.

The extensive collection of certified experiences has also strengthened Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for sustainable tourism.

Australia Continues to Raise the Global Standard for Responsible Tourism

The induction of six additional tourism operators into the Ecotourism Hall of Fame has represented far more than a celebration of longevity. It has highlighted Australia’s continued investment in responsible tourism, environmental conservation and independently verified sustainability standards that have been maintained over two decades.

By recognising operators across diverse landscapes and tourism experiences, Ecotourism Australia has reinforced the importance of long-term environmental leadership throughout the national tourism industry. Together with the expansion of the Green Travel Leaders program and the growing Green Travel Guide, the latest honours have further strengthened Australia’s global reputation for delivering authentic, sustainable and environmentally responsible travel experiences that continue to inspire both the tourism industry and environmentally conscious travellers worldwide.