Friday 8 April 2011

Ecotourism Australia’s Certification programs were endorsed recently under the Federal Governments new National Tourism Accreditation Framework, launched by the Federal Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson, at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Sydney.

Australia’s "high quality" tourism businesses will now be recognisable by a national trademark, known as the TQUAL mark.  This will be backed by the Australian Government and Tourism Australia, helping accredited businesses stand out in an increasingly crowded market place.

“The national TQUAL mark will help visitors choose businesses they can rely on; businesses which have signed up to standards including customer service, environmental practices and accuracy in advertising” Minister Ferguson said.

“Tourism operators that have already achieved certification under ECO and ROC programs will be able to use the TQUAL logo and leverage off the new marketing campaigns” said Kym Cheatham, CEO Ecotourism Australia.

“This (is) appropriate recognition of Australia’s longest running tourism certification program” Ms Cheatham said. 

Ecotourism Australia has been running ECO certification since 1995, and was a first for Australian and the first Eco Certification for the tourism industry in the world.

Home page photo by Trudy Walker.