East Gippsland is the first destination in Victoria to meet global best-practice sustainability standards to achieve ECO Destination Certification, with Ecotourism Australia.
Nestled within the lands of Gunaikurnai, Bidawel and Monero, East Gippsland has long been a draw for nature enthusiasts.
The region boasts a treasure trove of world-renowned natural wonders, including the:
- UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Croajingolong National Park
- Culturally significant Buchan Caves
- Alpine High Country
- Expansive Gippsland Lakes
- Picturesque Ninety Mile Beach.
East Gippsland's achievement of Ecotourism-level certification follows a meticulous independent assessment of 91 rigorous criteria.
This certification recognises the region as a nature-based tourism destination committed to the principles of ecotourism, encompassing cultural and natural interpretation and education for visitors, as well as the active involvement of local businesses in sustainable practices.
Get started on your Business Certification Journey
Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry worldwide. Ecotourism Australia’s guidelines help businesses lead in ecotourism by ensuring destination sustainability and supporting local communities.
By following our best practice standards, you can provide a high-quality, recognisable product to consumers while increasing sustainable development.
ECO accreditation makes it easy for visitors to find genuine ecotourism operators. Ecotourism Australia offers three certification programs to recognise tourism businesses for their sustainable initiatives: ECO Certification, Sustainable Tourism Certification and the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.
The ECO and Sustainable Tourism certifications are in-depth processes that work with businesses across the key pillars of sustainability, while the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard provides a snapshot of a business’s progress towards environmental sustainability goals.
ECO Certification
The ECO Certification program is a world-first and has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators. It is designed for tours, accommodations, and attractions with a nature-focus to their visitor experience.
For more information, see the Ecotourism Australia business certification page.
Visit the Ecotourism Australia website to find out more.