Ecotourism Australia has recognised six operators with Hall of Fame induction, marking two decades of continuous ECO Certification under the world's first national sustainable tourism programme. The honours were announced during the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit on the Gold Coast, coinciding with the organisation's 35th anniversary and the 30th year of its ECO certification scheme.
The inductees include Townsville City Council Eco Catchment Tours, Heron Island Resort, APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, Odyssey Expeditions, Cape York Motorcycle Adventures, and Explore Group Australia. Each has maintained ECO Certification since the programme's early years, demonstrating long-term adherence to global best-practice sustainability standards.
Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia, described Hall of Fame induction as the highest honour for certified operators. “These six businesses have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to global best practice sustainability standards across two decades,” she said. The milestone underscores the growing importance of verifiable sustainability credentials in the travel industry, particularly for operators targeting environmentally conscious travellers.
Mladen Vukic, Chief Product Officer of APT Travel Group, noted that the recognition enhances credibility for APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, which operates expedition cruises and land tours in the remote Kimberley region. The company's long-standing certification aligns with broader industry trends, such as the recent Coral Expeditions and Australian Geographic launch of Kimberley photography voyages, which also emphasise sustainable experiences.
Renae Kunda, Director of Cape York Motorcycle Adventures, highlighted the significance of being the first motorcycle tour company to achieve ECO Certification. “We are proud to set a precedent for adventure tourism operators,” she said. The company's induction reflects the diversity of certified businesses, from urban eco-tours to remote wilderness expeditions.
Green Travel Leaders and Lifetime Achievement Awards
Alongside the Hall of Fame inductees, eight operators were named Green Travel Leaders for a decade of ECO Certification: Whitsunday Jetski Tours, Sunrover Tours, Brisbane Whale Watching, and five others. These businesses join a network of over 2,700 certified sustainable experiences listed on the Green Travel Guide, a resource for travel agents and tour operators seeking verified eco-friendly products.
The summit also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Peter Gash OAM and former Ecotourism Australia Chair Dr Claire Ellis for their contributions to ecotourism. Gash, a long-time advocate for sustainable tourism in the Whitsundays, and Ellis, who helped shape the certification programme, were recognised for their leadership.
The awards come as Australia's tourism sector increasingly prioritises sustainability, with operators across aviation, hospitality, and cruise lines seeking certification to meet growing demand from both leisure and corporate travellers. The ECO programme remains a benchmark for operators looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, particularly as international visitors return and seek authentic, low-impact experiences.
For travel professionals, the Hall of Fame inductees and Green Travel Leaders represent reliable partners for sustainable itineraries. The Green Travel Guide offers a searchable database of certified operators, making it easier for agents and tour operators to build eco-conscious packages. As the industry evolves, such certifications are becoming a key factor in destination selection and supplier partnerships.
