- Australian Tourism Accreditation
- Ecotourism Certification
- Climate Action Certification
- Respecting Our Culture
- Customer Feedback Service
- Accreditation Updates
- T-QUAL
- ATAP Certified Operators
What is the ECO Certification Program?
ECO Certification is suitable for tourism businesses that are committed to sustainable practices and provide high quality nature-based experiences.
The ECO Certification logo is a globally recognised brand, which assists travellers to choose and experience a genuine and authentic tourism experience that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
ECO Certification is product-specific, you are able to apply for ECO Certification even if not all or your tourism products are nature-based.
The 3 levels of ECO Certification are:
Nature Tourism
Tourism in a natural area that leaves minimal impact on the environment.
Ecotourism
Tourism in a natural area that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities.
Advanced Ecotourism
Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
To register for ECO Certification, please click here.
What are the benefits?
- A practical guide to implement sound business principles, ecologically sustainable practices and culturally responsible initiatives.
- Use of an internationally recognised logo on your marketing material.
- Promotion of your product/s by Ecotourism Australia and inclusion in the Green Travel Guide.
- Profiled in EcoBytes once certified, plus the opportunity to showcase new innovations and news.
- Promotion at international trade shows such as ATE, ITB and JAM.
- Extended licencing for Commercial Tour Operators to operate in SA National Parks - 3 year licence for Nature Based ECO Certified operators and 5 year licences for Ecotourism and Advanced Ecotourism ECO Certified operators
- Park agencies consider ECO Certification and ROC in the application process for special permits
- 25% discount to the annual Eco Conference.
- Membership with the South Australian Tourism Industry Council.
- ECO Certification is endorsed under T-QUAL, with the associated benefits.
For more information contact SATIC or visit the Ecotourism Australia website
4 Easy Steps to becoming ECO Certified
Step 1 - Register
Step 2 - Log-in to ECO Certification Online
Log-in to the online program and complete the self assessment criteria.
Step 3 - Complete & Submit
Submit your application for independent assessment. On successful completion of assessment you will be notified of your level of certification achieved.
Step 4 - Onsite audit
An onsite audit will be conducted with the first 2 years of applying to ensure the standards of certification are being maintained.
Contents of the ECO Certification Program:
- Business Management and Operational Planning
- Business Ethics
- Responsible Marketing
- Customer Satisfaction
- Natural Area and/or Cultural Focus
- Environmental Management
- Interpretation and Education
- Contribution to Conservation
- Working with Local Communities
- Cultural Respect and Sensitivity
For more information contact SATIC or visit the Ecotourism Australia website
ECO Certification Fees
ECO Certification fees are based on your business' gross annual turn over.
| Your Gross Annual Turnover | Initial Application Fee | Annual Fee |
| less than $250,000 | $345 | $410 |
| $250,001 - $1,000,000 | $395 | $605 |
| $1,000,001 - $5,000,000 | $495 | $845 |
| $5,000,001 - $10,000,000 | $595 | $1,005 |
| more than $10,000,000 | $795 | $1,115 |
Fees remain the same regardless of the level of certification you achieve.
For more information contact SATIC or visit the Ecotourism Australia website
Nature Tourism
Tourism in a natural area that leaves minimal impact on the environment.
Heading Bush 4WD Adventures / Australia OZ Tours
Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours
Ecotourism
Tourism in a natural area that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities.
Australian Soul Tours and Events
Flinders & Outback Water Cruises & Day Tours
Southern Blue Travel & Touring
Advanced Ecotourism
Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience
Banrock Station Wine & Wetlands Centre
Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve
Cape Cassini Wilderness Retreat Pty Ltd
Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action
View the Green Travel Guide online
For more information contact SATIC or visit the Ecotourism Australia website