Douglas Shire in Australia recognised at the 2020 Sustainable Destination Awards in Europe. By Staff Writer.
Australia, 5 March 2020. The sustainability successes continue for Ecotourism Australia’s first ECO certified destination, the Douglas Shire, who have just taken home the Communities and Culture Award at the Sustainable Destination Awards in Europe.
The Mossman Gorge is just one of the few tourism draws in Douglas Shire that is run sustainably. Pic: Mossman Gorge Centre
The accolade, which was announced overnight, recognises the Port Douglas and Daintree destination’s efforts in celebrating Indigenous experiences and creating local jobs through the Mossman Gorge Centre, an Ecotourism and Respecting our Culture certified business.
Tara Bennett, CEO of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, said of the award: “We are delighted to see our destination celebrated on the global stage for its impressive achievements in sustainable tourism through collaboration and cultural sensitivity, as demonstrated by the Mossman Gorge Centre.
“I am very proud of the commitment that our private sector and local government make to sustainable tourism and I hope it inspires other destinations.”
Ecotourism Australia CEO Rod Hillman said, “Douglas Shire thoroughly deserves this international recognition of its sustainability efforts in an extremely competitive environment.”
The Sustainable Destination Awards, usually announced at ITB Berlin — the world’s largest travel trade show — are decided upon by a jury representing 12 international organisations.
The awards are dedicated to recognising innovation and good practices in tourism management by islands, towns, regions and whole countries.
Awards categories include Nature, Communities and Culture, Best of Africa, Best of the Americas, Best of Asia-Pacific and Best of Europe. The flagship award is the ITB Earth Award, recognising global leadership in combatting climate change and environmental degradation.
Douglas Shire was awarded ECO Destination certification at the 2019 Global Eco Conference in Cairns, becoming the world’s first destination certified through this certification program.
Ecotourism Australia is a not for profit, membership-based organisation inspiring environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism. Internationally recognised through the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Ecotourism Australia designs and delivers certification programs for tourism products and destinations, assuring travellers that these are backed by a strong commitment to sustainability and quality.