Shire of Augusta Margaret River Sets Sights on ECO Destination Status

As the Shire of Augusta Margaret River prepares to host Ecotourism Australia’s Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference next week from December 1 – 3, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has furthered its commitment to building a sustainable local tourism industry by applying to become a certified ECO Destination.

The ECO Destination certification program run by Ecotourism Australia is a recognisable, trusted guide for travellers that approves destinations committed to sustainable practices and to quality, nature-based tourism experiences.

If successful, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River will join an established global network of like-minded certified destinations offering visitors an easy way of determining where genuine and authentic ecotourism experiences are found.

Shire of Augusta Margaret River CEO Stephanie Addison-Brown said achieving ECO Destination certification was not about growing the number of tourists coming to the region, but about the type of tourist it will attract.

“This certification will help us effectively promote our region to the increasing proportion of travellers who are hungry for sustainable travel experiences. It’s the stamp of approval that we are who we say we are – an authentic destination for environmentally aware visitors,” she said.

“We know that travellers are becoming more discerning as they seek to holiday in destinations where tourism not only brings visitor spend, but is also a driver for social, cultural and environmental improvement. The Shire has been working extremely hard to improve its environmental footprint and this certification will signal to visitors that we’re not green washing; that any claims we’re making as a Shire are being audited by an official body.

Achieving ECO Destination certification would also reflect the aspirations of many community members, who have told us that sustainability is at the top of their priority list,” she said.

Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman, who is preparing to arrive in the region for next week’s conference said the Shire was very well positioned to become a certified ECO Destination.

“Throughout the application process so far we have been incredibly impressed by the achievements of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, supported by the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association. Compared to other destinations we’ve assessed, the Shire is ahead of the curve in terms of its commitment to sustainability.

The Shire already meets three quarters of the criteria, placing them in good stead as they progress through the rigorous, year-long application process” he said.

MRBTA Joint CEO Steve Harrison welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the benefits accreditation would bring.

“We are pleased to be assisting with the efforts towards ECO destination certification and are very fortunate to be able to work with progressive stakeholders such as the Shire to build a sustainable future for the region’s tourism industry. Certification programs such as this will assist our destination marketing efforts to position the region as a compelling holiday choice for the high-value, low-volume visitor markets which we aim to attract,” he said.

Further information

Spokespeople available for comment:

Rod Hillman, Ecotourism Australia CEO Stephanie Addison-Brown, CEO Shire of Augusta Margaret River Steve Harrison, Joint CEO Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association

Contact Cristina Smith Communications Officer Shire of Augusta Margaret River (08) 9780 5239 [email protected]

Jenny Lee Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association  (08) 9780 5911 [email protected]

About MRBTA

The Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA) is a self-funded, not-for-profit, incorporated association with over 50 years’ experience in supporting the Margaret River Region to thrive through tourism. 

MRBTA exists to attract, service and provide quality and memorable experiences to visitors. In doing so the Association grows the economic, social and environmental outcomes of tourism for the Margaret River Region, and helps provide future employment and prosperity. 

MRBTA has a unique structure which allows it to perform the functions of both Australia’s largest Local Tourism Organisation (LTO), and of the largest tourism operator in the Margaret River Region. As the region’s tourism association, MRBTA acts on behalf of over 700 members whilst providing marketing, visitor servicing and product development to support the success of tourism businesses. Together the Association’s consumer-facing channels create over 2 million touchpoints with visitors each year. 

As a tourism operator, MRBTA manages 7 tourist attractions – Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave, Ngilgi Cave, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Forest Adventures South West – and provides ground handling services at the Busselton Margaret River Airport. Funds generated are used to conserve the natural and heritage assets in the Association’s care and underpin the work of the tourism association. 

About Ecotourism Australia

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. EA works with international organisation Green Destinations to certify ecotourism destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

About the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference

For the first time in over ten years, the Margaret River Region will host Ecotourism Australia’s annual Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference - the world’s longest running ecotourism conference - from December 1 – 3 2020. Delegates include leading tourism industry operators, ecotourism professionals, tourism bodies and researchers.

MRBTA procured the contract through partnerships with Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Tourism WA, the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, and the South West Development Commission.

The conference will take place the newly-developed Margaret River Hub of Entertainment Arts and Regional Tourism (HEART).

List of ECO Certified Tourism Businesses in the Margaret River Region:

Busselton Jetty Forest Rise Eco Retreat RAC Busselton Holiday Park Yelverton Brook Eco Spa Retreat and Conservation Sanctuary Cape to Cape Explorer Tours Margaret River Surf School Margaret River Retreat Naturaliste Charters Siesta Park Holiday Resort South West Eco Discoveries Southern Fire Wellness Surf N' Dirt Adventure Tours Margaret River Walk into Luxury Whale Watch Western Australia Margaret River Region Lighthouses Margaret River Region Caves Forest Adventures South West Right Foot Forward WA Everybody’s Discovery Adventures