Two Douglas Shire tourism operators have been inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame in a list of 10 of Australia’s leading nature-based tourism businesses.

The Daintree River Cruise Centre and Sailaway join 25 other ecotourism businesses in the Hall of Fame, and were recognised for being ECO certified for 20 years.

Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman acknowledged this year’s awardees as some of Australia’s leading operators in ecotourism.

“Their longevity and continued success, particularly in light of unprecedented industry challenges, is testament to their innovative spirits, continued commitment to sustainable business practices, and dedication to benefiting the communities and environments in which they operate,” he said.

In his response, Sailaway’s Owner/Operator Steve Edmondson said: “We are well positioned to lead recovery and ecotourism is the future of travel.

“We are very confident our core values will resonate even more with visitors and agents to enjoy the best of destination Australia and GBR.

“We welcome the collaboration with Eco Tourism Australia promoting this to the world.”

Sailaway sets high standards high for nature-based, snorkelling and sailing experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.

Its commitment to Eco Tourism is an opportunity to increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment.

Sailaway specialises in snorkelling, with qualified marine biologists sharing their passion for the marine life with expert guiding and interpretation.

Sailaway is independently owned and operated by local Port Douglas couple Steve and Katrina Edmondson, who have over 30 years of experience in Marine Tourism.

Ecotourism Australia’s 2020 Hall of Fame entrants: 

• Araucaria Ecotours (QLD)
• Broken River Mountain Resort (QLD)
• Capricorn Caves (QLD)
• Cruise Maroochy Eco Tours (QLD)
• Daintree River Cruise Centre (QLD)
• Imagine Cruises - Port Stephens (NSW)
• Kingfisher Cruises (VIC)
• Moonshadow Cruises – TQC (NSW)
• Sailaway (QLD)
• Tread Lightly Eco Tours (NSW)

Ecotourism Australia (EA) is a not-for-profit, membership-based organisation inspiring environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism.

Internationally recognised through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, EA designs and delivers certification programs for tourism products and destinations, assuring travellers that these are backed by a strong commitment to sustainability and quality.