ECO AND GREEN TOURISM NEWS

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Australian National Tourism Awards

2012-03-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

Once again, sustainable tourism has played a leading role in the Australian National Tourism Awards. Winners were announced in Melbourne on March 3, 2012 and included a number of tourism destinations featured on the ECOHOTEL/ Green Getaways directory.

Special congratulations to the Lane Cove River Tourist Park for winning the prestigious QANTAS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Situated only 10kms from the City of Sydney, nestled among 600 hectares of National Park, the Lane Cove River Tourist Park is known as Sydney’s environmentally friendly ecotourist park.
The Park has a variety of sites that suit all types of vans, large, small, slab or grass or for those seeking comfort, 28 park cabins. All of the expected park facilities are included.

Guests are made aware that they are doing their bit for the environment. The Park is completely carbon neutral, runs on green power, and has a water saving program. We are operated by the National Parks Service, so there is no shortage of native plants and animals.

The national award for UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION went to Eco Beach Broome, Australia’s North West, WA

One of the world’s most remarkable destinations, Eco Beach is a unique, luxury eco resort set in a pristine and untouched landscape just a little over an hour drive south of Broome. The retreat offers guests a perfect parallel of Kimberley beach and bush with the comfort and class of a resort. Accommodation is provided through a variety of beautifully appointed Eco Villas and luxurious safari style Eco Tents.

The beach itself provides a haven for nesting turtles whilst migrating whales frolic offshore.Activities are tailored to enhance your wilderness experience and include nature walks, cruises, kayaking, game fishing, beach fishing and bird watching. The flora and fauna of the landscape is both equally majestic and diverse.

Bronze award went to : Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, QLD

T QUAL accredited Australian tourism

2011-12-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

You may have seen the ads on Trip Advisor, heard the term, or seen properties advertising themselves as having "T-QUAL" accreditation.

So what is T-QUAL?

T-QUAL Accreditation is the new Australian national tourism accreditation framework, identifiable by a national accreditation symbol of quality, the T-QUAL Tick.

T-QUAL Accreditation is a federally endorsed system that sets the national benchmark for quality across the tourism industry. T-QUAL Accreditation supports Australia’s quality tourism businesses, which are identified and promoted by its logo: the T-QUAL mark. It was developed by government and industry to promote quality experiences for tourism consumers by recognising sustainable and capable tourism businesses and operators nationally.

The T-QUAL Tick identifies the tourism businesses and operators in Australia that have been endorsed as meeting the quality standards of T-QUAL Accreditation and provides one national symbol for consumers to be able to recognise quality products and services easily.

Accreditation programs will continue to operate as independent accreditation programs, however they, along with their operators, will be able to co-brand with the T-QUAL Tick and be able to take advantage of the increased exposure and recognition through T-QUAL Accreditation.

Finally - a national Australian tourism accreditation program!

Green Marketing Guidelines

2011-12-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

ECOHOTEL and GREEN GETAWAYS AUSTRALIA encourage the properties listed on our directory to back up all environmental claims with a publicly available policy published on the property's website as well as being displayed at the property itself. The environmentally responsible initiatives undertaken by any tourism business are worth promoting and many travellers now choose their accommodation with this in mind.

Tourism Australia have put together some excellent guidelines for tourism businesses seeking to promote themselves as environmentally responsible. Check out their latest fact sheet "Green Marketing/Advertising Guidelines" for some great tips. Check it out!

And looking for a great model on just what can be done? The Alto Hotel on Bourke have won the 2011 Qantas Sustainable Tourism Award for their environmental initiatives.

Australian 2011 Tourism Award Winners

2011-12-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the many state award winners in 2011, including the Alto Hotel on Bourke situated in the Melbourne CBD Victoria, Somewhere Unique in the Hunter Valley, NSW and the Lane Cove River Tourist Park in Sydney, NSW.