Coral Sea Marina has become the first in Australia to earn Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia, highlighting its commitment to global best-practice standards and leadership status.
Located in Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays’ Coral Sea Marina is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly.
Coral Sea Marina Head of Marketing & Business Development Joscelyn O’Keefe said the port is keenly aware of its key role in the Whitsundays’ sustainable tourism, hosting 80 per cent of the region’s on-water tourism experiences, including 52 commercial operators.
The port has several sustainable initiatives in place, including the educational Coral Sea Academy, interpretive signage, a seagrass nursery and citizen science programs.
It also honours the traditional owners of the land, the Birri-Gubba Nation, through cultural collaborations, signage and online resources.
“We are thrilled to receive Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia and to be the first marina in Australia to achieve this recognition,” O’Keefe said.
“This accomplishment highlights our commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting responsible boating practices.
“Sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations, this certification will help us on our journey to continue to promote the concept of ‘travel for good’.”
Sustainable Tourism Certification
Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification assesses companies across four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural and socioeconomic impact and sustainable business operations.
Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan congratulated the port on its achievement.
“Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” she said.
“It is also testament to the focus of the tourism industry in the Whitsunday’s region. We have 38 ECO Certified operators in the region and six operate their tour experiences from the Coral Sea Marina.
“Australia boasts the third largest marine jurisdiction in the world, contributing $118.5 billion to our economy and supporting 462,000 jobs annually. It’s our responsibility to safeguard these waters for future generations.”
For more info, head to coralseamarina.com
