Ecotourism Australia Marks 35 Years of Sustainable Travel
The certification body, founded in 1991, has also named Caroline Densley as the new Chair of its Board.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
Ecotourism Australia marked 35 years of promoting sustainable tourism, having been established in 1991. The organisation has certified approximately 2,500 tours, attractions and accommodation providers across Australia and the Pacific.
Why it matters
The certification gives travellers a recognised benchmark for sustainable tourism operators in Australia and the Pacific. Its recognition by Booking.com and Google may make the label more visible to people planning trips.
Ecotourism Australia has certified approximately 2,500 tours, attractions and accommodation providers across Australia and the Pacific, according to organisational figures. The source does not specify annual certification numbers or the criteria used to measure them.
The players
Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia is a national organisation that certifies sustainable tourism operators across Australia and the Pacific.
Elissa Keenan
Elissa Keenan is the chief executive officer of Ecotourism Australia.
Caroline Densley
Caroline Densley is the newly appointed Chair of Ecotourism Australia's Board.
The details
Ecotourism Australia certifies tours, attractions and accommodation providers under its national certification programme, which launched in 1996 as the world's first of its kind. The organisation is recognised by global platforms including Booking.com and Google, and it plans to maintain rigorous standards amid growing scrutiny of environmental claims.
Timeline
1991: Ecotourism Australia was established.
1996: The national ecotourism certification programme was launched.
2026: The organisation marks 35 years of leadership in sustainable tourism.
Big Picture
The anniversary follows Ecotourism Australia's 1996 launch of the world's first national ecotourism certification programme, which the organisation now runs across Australia and the Pacific. Its continued expansion reflects growing demand for verified sustainability claims in travel.
Travellers planning trips in Australia or the Pacific can look for Ecotourism Australia certification when choosing tours and accommodation. Certification may help identify operators that meet sustainability standards before booking.
The takeaway
Checking for recognised sustainability certification can help travellers choose operators that align with environmental goals. Ask providers about their certification status before booking a tour or stay.
Further reading
Explore more Australia and New Zealand travel destinations and sustainable tourism options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travel Daily Media.
