Ecotourism Australia’s annual ECO Think Destination Forum is underway in Bundaberg with the theme ‘sustainability is a journey’.
The event will bring together representatives from a wide range of organisations across Australia and the Pacific to discuss best practice sustainable and ecotourism destination management and opportunities for continuous improvement.
“As the peak body for sustainable and ecotourism in Australia and a global leader in destination certification, we are delighted to see such a calibre of speakers and variety of topics coming together to drive our tourism industry towards a more sustainable future,” says Ecotourism Australia chief executive Elissa Keenan.
“The regions participating in our ECO Destination Certification programs recognise the importance to have a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism across the four pillars of sustainability; environmental, socio-economic, cultural and sustainable management.”
Some 80 delegates will attend the 2023 ECO Think Destination Forum. More than half represent destination management organisations of regional and state tourism organisations and councils and those representing a certified destination or region aspiring to achieve global standard certification. State and federal government agencies, national parks agencies, tourism operators and tourism support services representatives will also be in attendance.
“We are pleased to bring this event to regional Australia and support Queensland and the Bundaberg region’s visitor economy. More than 40% of attendees are travelling from interstate and more 50% are travelling intrastate to attend the forum and enjoy the region. Delegates will visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Macadamias Australia, undertake the Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tour and of course the Bundaberg Rum Distillery Experience is also on the itinerary,” Ms Keenan says.
Councillor Steve Cooper says Bundaberg Regional Council is proud to host after becoming the second certified ECO Destination in Queensland.
“We welcome the opportunity to showcase our best practice sustainability initiatives to such a variety of delegates on a national stage,” Cr Cooper says.
“We invite all attendees to share in the variety of experiences and hospitality venues that our region has to offer.”
Katherine Reid, CEO Bundaberg Tourism, says the Bundaberg tourism industry continues to live out sustainability principles daily.
“Every day our tourism industry and our community here in the Bundaberg region strive to make sustainable choices to protect our internationally significant natural assets for generations to come. We understand that without a healthy environment and connected community, tourism cannot exist.”
