Tasmania launches world leading destination program with more than 700 operators

More than 700 tourism operators in Australia signed up for a new destination program aimed at positioning the state of Tasmania as one of the world’s leading green tourism destinations.

The initiative which is supported by the EarthCheck Evaluate program provides a unique opportunity for operators of all sizes to focus on delivering the perfect destination experience. The EarthCheck program will assist tourism operators to measure and track their environmental and social performance against global standards and to deliver outstanding ecotourism and cultural experiences.

Operators will be able to use the Evaluate program to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and present and safe guard their heritage and natural environment.

The launch of the EarthCheck Evaluate program comes just months after the release of EarthCheck’s enhanced software platform offering world leading integrated reporting. Additional launches of their community program, precinct design solution and wellness/social benchmarking indicators will follow over the coming months.

“The world’s tourism and travel industry contributed a total of US$ 7 trillion to the global economy in 2013 and supported nearly 266 million jobs, which is equivalent to 1 in every 11 jobs around the world. The size and economic potential of tourism highlights the need for operators and communities to deliver sustainable management practices," said Stewart Moore Ceo and Founder of EarthCheck.

“In Tasmania alone, visitation in the past three years has increased by six percent. The star performer has been nature-based tourism with a massive 31 percent jump (in three years), proof that first-hand eco-experiences in Tasmania’s UNESCO-listed reserves are what today’s travellers want” says Luke Martin, CEO of Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania.

“We need to create greater awareness of the range, quality and diversity of the natural experiences that the destination has to offer.

“To achieve this, operators need to undergo transparent evaluation and be endorsed by a credible international organisation.

“Ultimately, we want all visitors to know that their experience has been thoughtfully and sustainably crafted, and that they are travelling in one of the greatest nature-based destinations in the world” said Mr. Martin.

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