ECOTOURISM Australia CEO Elissa Keenan, speaking at Coffs Harbour’s More Than Tourism event on Tuesday 29 November, said she was inspired by the region-wide commitment to responsible tourism.

“It was an honour to meet with so many passionate local businesses last week to celebrate the Coffs Coast’s one year anniversary of ECO Destination Certification.

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“Traveller needs and expectations are changing, and Coffs Coast is leading by example through their regionwide certification and local business engagement.

“We know international visitors are now seeking businesses that can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism.

“It is clear that Coffs Coast businesses are committed to rolling up their sleeves when it comes to responsible tourism, with many attendees wishing to start our Strive 4 Sustainability Program, recently launched with founding partner Tourism Australia.”

This program offers a simple and affordable pathway for all tourism businesses to start their sustainability journey and continue to grow and embed sustainable practices throughout the region.

City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley said, “As arguably the benchmark eco-destination in Australia, we’re calling on the local business community to make some noise about our ECO Destination Certification.
“This is something worth celebrating.

“It’s a truly unique competitive advantage that our region now has.

“As visitors start to look for more genuinely sustainable, high-quality, nature-based experiences, let’s make use of the City’s free ECO-Toolkit so they need not look further than the wonderful Coffs Coast.”

The Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce and Bishop Druitt College (BDC) co-hosted the event at The Link at Sawtell Catholic Care.

With a buzz amongst the attendees, the one year milestone of Coffs Coast becoming NSW’s first Certified ECO Destination is inspiring local businesses to participate in growing the city’s green credentials for ecotourism and the sustainable protection of our cultural heritage and the national treasures that the region is known for.

Nature-based tourism operators have jumped on board and are already reaping the benefits of attracting eco-tourists.

“One year on, this certification means so much more to the Coffs Coast region, this is now an opportunity for the whole business community to benefit from our growing reputation as an eco-friendly destination – for work and play,” Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Garth Shipperlee told News Of The Area.

The event featured a presentation, ‘A year of certification, in retrospect and looking forward’ with guest Elissa Keenan and other local operators and representatives from the City of Coffs Harbour.

“Elissa unpacked and shared with us how businesses can benefit from the certification and support Coffs Harbour’s growing reputation as an eco-friendly and sustainable tourism destination.”

Indigenous Year 12 Bishop Druitt College student Jenna Haley delivered a wonderful acknowledgement of country.

Tara Davey from Jetty Dive also shared the impact having an ecotourism focus has had on their business.

Nicole McLennan from City of Coffs Harbour closed out the formal part of the event by taking attendees through how to get involved.

The event was held as part of the NSW Government’s Small Business Month.

Thanks were given to Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh MP and City of Coffs Harbour councillor George Cecato for attending.

Following the formalities, the Chamber’s Business@Dusk evening saw attendees staying on to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of The Link, with nibbles, food and entertainment by graduating BDC music students.

If you’re an eco-tourism business and interested in getting certified, you can find out more at www.ecotourism.org.au/business-certification.

For anyone in the visitor economy who wants to know where to start, find out more about the entry level scorecard at www.ecotourism.org.au/strive-4-sustainability.

To download your ECO Toolkit, visit www.coffscoast.com.au/ecotoolkit.

By Andrea FERRARI