Sustainable tourism

Sustainability explained

Sustainable tourism is about making small changes to help your business and our industry be more resilient.

Identified as one of four guiding principles in our Western Australia Visitor Economy Strategy 2033, sustainability will inform Tourism WA’s delivery, interaction and decision-making processes as we grow the WA tourism sector.

We also want industry to become more sustainable by addressing the needs of travellers and the environment both now and in the future.

No matter your role in the tourism sector, we are all responsible for contributing to a more sustainable tourism industry.

National Sustainability Framework

The National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy has been developed by the Federal Government in partnership with State Tourism Organisations like Tourism WA. It provides a national definition of sustainability for the visitor economy and outlines the four pillars of sustainable tourism.

These include:

Taking a managed approach
Respecting culture
Creating positive social impact
Environment and climate action

Framework Resources

Access the National Sustainability Framework toolkit, checklist and webinar series and learn how to implement sustainable practices in your tourism business.

Sustainability Accreditation

We’ve collated a range of accreditation programs available so you can continue your sustainability journey.

Tourism Council WA - Sustainable Tourism Program

The Tourism Council of WA (TCWA) offers multiple national sustainable tourism programs including:

Sustainable Tourism Accreditation is the Australian tourism industry’s largest and longest-running sustainability program.

WA is leading the way as a sustainable tourism destination with more than 1,200 Sustainable Tourism Accredited businesses.

Sustainable Tourism Accreditation incorporates sustainability across environmental, cultural, social and commercial business practices and is recognised by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for tourism operators in National Parks and marine parks.

Sustainable Tourism | Tourism Council WA

Tourism Emissions Reduction Program enables tourism operators to undertake an online emissions assessment and develop a tailored emissions reduction plan to improve their sustainability.

Tourism Emissions Reduction | Tourism Council WA

EcoStar Accreditation Program is for tourism businesses that demonstrate the highest level of environmental management over and above Sustainable Tourism requirements.

EcoStar Accreditation assists businesses in achieving environmental sustainability whilst developing and promoting true Eco Tourism experiences.

EcoStar Accreditation is recognised by the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for long-term tourism licences and leases in National Parks and marine parks.

EcoStar Accreditation | Tourism Council WA

Marine Tourism Accreditation is available to West Australian businesses meeting the WA Marine Tour Operators Best Practice Standards.

By becoming Marine Tourism Accredited, businesses have demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct operating in Western Australia's pristine marine environment.

The Marine Tourism Accreditation was developed in conjunction with the WA Department of Fisheries.

Marine Tourism Accreditation | Tourism Council WA

Accessible Tourism Program provides tourism businesses with an online assessment and Accessible Information Guide you can share with potential guests to help them understand your accessibility.

Accessible Tourism Program | Tourism Council WA

EcoTourism Australia

Ecotourism Australia (EA) is the peak body for sustainable and eco-tourism in Australia. The member organisation promotes and support the ecotourism industry by building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems.

Accreditation programs include:

The ECO Certification program from EcoTourism Australia is a world first and has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators.

Open to tourism products with a primary focus on nature, the accreditation assures travelers that certified products are backed by sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature-based experiences.

ECO Certification is also aligned to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) standards.

ECO Certification | Ecotourism Australia

Sustainable Tourism Certification is designed for all businesses that operate in the tourism supply chain in a non-nature-based space, including hotels, attractions, tours, transport, restaurants, breweries, and more.

There are two levels of Sustainable Tourism Certification available, with both focusing on minimising negative impacts on the environment and maximising positive impacts for community, culture, and local economy.

Sustainable Tourism Certification | Ecotourism Australia

Sustainability Scorecard

The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard measures where you are on your sustainability journey. Open to all tourism businesses, the scorecard is not an accreditation program or reliant on a membership to undertake.

Access scorecard

EarthCheck

EarthCheck is a world leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism.

Its ECO accreditation is for ecotourism operators and offers certification for terrestrial and marine park operators of any size.

Benefits include knowing how your sustainability footprint measures up, access to tools to better manage it, and solutions to reduce your operating costs.

EarthCheck Eco - EarthCheck

Sustainability explained

National Sustainability Framework

National Sustainability Framework

Framework Resources

Framework Resources

Framework Resources

The Toolkit

Sustainability Checklist

Operator Webinars

Sustainability Accreditation

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