Ecotourism opportunities

Join the growing movement of Central Coast tourism businesses making small changes, with a big impact.

The NSW Central Coast proudly has 12 ECO Certified operators who are committed to protecting our beautiful region. Join them and become ECO Certified or complete your Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard with Ecotourism Australia today. 

Becoming an ECO Certified business isn't just about receiving a badge or doing the right thing, it's a smart business move.

Did you know? Over 75% of global travellers say that they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months (Source:Booking.com's 2024 Sustainable Travel Report)

As more travellers seek out sustainable experiences that allow them to explore deeply, yet tread lightly, getting started on your certification journey can help your business stand out. 

Here's what certification can unlock for you:

• Boost the Central Coast's ECO profile
  Play a key role in growing the Central Coast's reputation as a leading certified ECO Destination
• Attract high value travellers
  Eco-conscious travellers often stay longer, spend more and seek meaningful and unique experiences
• Grow your business sustainably
  By achieving ECO Certification, this can improve your operators, gain credibility as a tourism partner and stand out in a competitive landscape
• Join a like-minded network
  Connect with a global network of like-minded sustainable tourism operators and organisations, share insights and access mentoring
• Align with global best practice
  Meet internationally recognised sustainability standards

Starting your sustainability journey is simple. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Decide what sustainability pathway is for you

There’s a variety of ways to start your sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia. As a first step we encourage you to enquire with their team to check which certification program is best for your business. Learn more about Ecotourism Australia's certification programs here.

2. Register your interest to start your journey!

Once you’re ready to begin your journey and have selected which certification program you'd like to achieve, complete Ecotourism Australia’s application form.

3. Complete your application through Ecotourism Australia’s portal

Once you’ve completed your application and satisfied all certification requirements, congratulations! Your certification is now granted.

ECO Certification

• Formal and globally recognised certification
• Suitable for established businesses ready to lead in sustainable tourism
• In-depth application process and third-party auditing against certification standards
• Certified logo, listing on Green Travel Guide, promotion on Love Central Coast and more
• Cost varies depending on business size
• Best for businesses who are looking to commit to sustainability long-term

Find more information on ECO Certification with Ecotourism Australia via their website, including eligibility, benefits, the process and fees.

Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard

• Entry-level sustainability scorecard
• Suitable for businesses beginning their sustainability journey
• Self-assessment tool reviewed by Ecotourism Australia
• Certificate of recognition if scoring above 50%
• Low-cost entry point
• Ideal steppingstone toward achieving full ECO Certification

If you're not ready to undertake a full certification program, check out the Strive for Sustainability Scorecard, a pathway program to your sustainability journey.   

Ecotourism has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the tourism industry. More travellers are demanding authentic, unique, environmentally sustainable experiences. This is why Destination Central Coast started the ECO Destination accreditation process back in 2020. From May 2022 we are proud to announce the Central Coast is a certified ECO Destination! This was achieved through an Ecotourism Australia and WWF-Australia funded partnership. We can already see the benefits to industry and the wider community, with visitors staying longer and spending more. 

Ecotourism is also identified as a key strategic priority for the Central Coast. It's a focus of the Central Coast Destination Management Plan (2022-2025), further supported by the region's overarching status as one of Australia's first few ECO Destinations.

Achieving ECO Destination certification in 2022 recognises the Central Coast as a world-class destination for sustainable, nature-based tourism. It highlights the Coast's commitment to quality and sustainable practices, which many of our business community already share at the core of their operations. It gives conscious travellers a clear snapshot of the best eco-friendly experiences, attractions, and accommodation the Central Coast has to offer!