The National Eco Tourism Award was presented to Port Douglas reef tour operator Low Isles Sailaway at the 2012 Climate Action Tourism Award at the Global Asia Pacific Eco Tourism Conference last week.

Low Isles Sailaway's Steve Edmondson was pleased at the endorsement of their innovative leadership role in education and interpretation to visitors on the Great Barrier Reef.

“The award we have won is in recognition of best business practices for environmental responsibility, sustainability, quality of experience, and how we look at our carbon footprint and responded to the challenges ahead, going lightly with a big message to educate in a fun relaxed holiday,” Mr Edmondson said.

Pictured: Sailaway crew of the day Brett, Daisy, Steve and Rose.

“It recognises the important strengths of what we can offer in Australia and this highest level endorsement for us is very good in the big picture, it’s not something we just did, but in recognition of our commitment and actions over a period of time and the quality of product we are offering.”

Steve and wife Katrina were delighted to accept this prestigious National Eco Tourism Award and thanked the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s role in managing and protecting the reef.

They also thanked Eco Tourism Australia for "raising the benchmark criteria for all."