Townsville region earns ECO-certification, bolstering Queensland's sustainable tourism efforts
Townsville achieves ECO Destination certification, supported by Queensland Government funding, enhancing its status as a sustainable tourism leader and contributing to Queensland's aim of net zero emissions by 2050.
The Townsville region has become the third destination in Queensland and the ninth in Australia to be certified as an ECO Destination by Ecotourism Australia, cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainability and ecotourism.
The Townsville region was supported to achieve the certification with funding under the Queensland Government’s Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program which provided grants of up to $150,000 to councils and regional and local tourism organisations.
The program was designed to help position Queensland destinations as leaders in sustainable tourism and meet growing demand from tourists for the places they visit to prioritise low-impact travel, high-quality nature-based experiences, and an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
The program also aligns with the Queensland Government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
A total of 11 Queensland destinations were funded under the program, with the ultimate goal of building a globally recognised network of certified destinations throughout Queensland.
Townsville joins a network of more than 200 international destinations promoting sustainable management, responsible tourism, and positive socio-economic, environmental, and cultural impacts.
The region is a hub of nature-based tourism experiences including the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics, Magnetic Island, and Bowling Green Bay Ramsar Wetland, and is home to many sustainable businesses like Billabong Sanctuary.
Ecotourism Australia presented a certificate to Townsville City Council in recognition of the certification, which is designed to inspire tourism businesses to be more sustainable and enhance the local community’s connection to the area.
Some of the other key stakeholders included Townsville Enterprise Limited, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
The other eco-certified destinations in Queensland are Port Douglas and Daintree, and Bundaberg.