SENT: 7 March 2017

Enquiry Type: General enquiry

Your Enquiry

Hi,

Can you please confirm the conditions for ecotourism accreditation?

I am looking at this page:

http://www.ecotourism.org.au/our-certification-programs/eco-certification/

1. Can a new development claim ‘eco-resort’ status in their marketing material before obtaining any accreditation?

2. Are there methods – other than from Ecotourism Australia – that a company can obtain ‘eco’ accreditation in Australia?

Thanks very much for your assistance.

Kind regards,

jo

RECEIVED: 10 March 2017

Dear Jo,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding Ecotourism certification.

1. Can a new development claim ‘eco-resort’ status in their marketing material before obtaining any accreditation?

A: We are not aware of any copyright laws that prevent you from using the word eco in any marketing material however, our Eco Certified logos are trademarked so you cannot use these unless you are certified under one of our programs. Please be aware there are issues with misrepresentation called Green Washing- for more information please click here.

2. Are there methods – other than from Ecotourism Australia – that a company can obtain ‘eco’ accreditation in Australia?

A: In tourism there are only a couple of organisations that have eco certification programs that certify tourism businesses. The only other organisation that may be suitable to certify an ‘eco-resort’ would be Earthcheck.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Kind regards,

Aya []
Programs Administrator | Ecotourism Australia

T: +61 7 3252 1530 | F: +61 7 3257 0331 | E: eco@ecotourism.org.au
Office: 6/67 O’Connell Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
www.ecotourism.org.au

ATTACHMENT: Program-Summary-ECO–ROC-with-Criteria-12-2016