The Port Douglas Daintree region has met a number of key criteria to become the world’s first destination to be awarded Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification.

To become an ECO Certified Nature Destination, a minimum 80 of 100 criteria, based on the internationally accredited and recognised Green Destinations Standards, must be met.

These standards encompass six main themes: including destination management; nature and scenery; environment and climate; culture and tradition; social well-being; and business and hospitality.

The announcement was made at the 27th Annual Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference in Cairns. 

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said receiving a big green tick demonstrated to visitors that as a destination, the region was committed to strong, well-managed sustainable practices and providing high quality nature-based experiences.

“The Port Douglas Daintree region sits at the very heart of two significant World Heritage natural sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

“The ECO Destination certification, through its rigorous auditing process, sets the Douglas Shire and its unique natural experiences apart from everywhere else,” said Mayor Leu.

Tara Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said recognising and encouraging responsible travel to natural areas made the choice much simpler for visitors.

“More travellers than ever are seeking to minimise the carbon footprint of their holiday, travelling with climate in mind by planning wisely and choosing consciously a destination that supports culture, community and environment.” 

Ms Bennet said achieving certification was a “wonderful example of the private and public sector working together” with Ecotourism Australia.

“We want to inspire destinations around the world to implement sustainable tourism practices and in so doing see their tourism industry, environment and community flourish,” said Rod Hillman, Chief Executive Officer for Ecotourism Australia, in congratulating the destination on achieving certification.

“An onsite audit conducted by an international team of independent auditors assessed every aspect of the Shire’s application in detail.

“This included reviewing documentation, visiting key tourism sites and conducting interviews with council employees, community group representatives and service providers.”

He said destination certification was the next step for the organisation, which oversees the widely recognised ECO Certification program for tourism operators.

There are currently 24 tour operators in the Douglas Shire that are certified under this program.