Central Coast Sustainable Tourism Award
There’s never been a time to be more proud of our region! Overnight the Central Coast was confirmed as a region that’s leading the way for sustainable tourism on a global scale. We won first place in the global Green Destinations Story Awards at the world’s leading travel trade show ITB Berlin on Wednesday 6 March 2024.
The 2024 Green Destinations Story Awards official ceremony showcased a diverse range of good practice stories from tourism destinations around the world. The focus on growing a sustainable tourism industry for our region and the undeniable progress we have made growing as ecotourism destination since 2021 is evident with this award Central Coast Council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Farmer noted.
“Taking home this award is testament not only to Council’s ability to lead tourism management for the region but to the commitment from our local industry who are taking up the mantle and leading with sustainability in their tourism offerings,” Mr Farmer said.
Chief Executive of Ecotourism Australia, Elissa Keenan congratulated Central Coast Council for taking out first place at the world’s most prestigious sustainable destination awards ceremony.
“The Council has worked tirelessly over many years to achieve ongoing global best-practice sustainable destination standards and support their local tourism industry on their own sustainability journey with Ecotourism Australia’s Certifications and Programs. Their winning story is a testament to the whole region’s commitment to sustainability and is an inspirational model for other Australian and international destinations to grow sustainability from the ground up,” Ms Keenan said.
Central Coast Administrator Rik Hart said the win is a real testament to Council’s support and investment in the tourism sector on the Central Coast.
“Our investment is being reflected in visitor numbers – for the year ending June 2023 in comparison to June 2022, total domestic visitor numbers have increased by 52.3% with 5,946,000 domestic visitors to the Central Coast.
“Council’s destination marketing and management initiatives have also resulted in winning accolades and major awards over the last few years, including this current global win, but equally significantly, Council’s support has also helped grow local business, economic growth and jobs in the sector.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved in helping achieve this outstanding global award,” Mr Hart said.
RELATED: Sustainable Tourism on the ECO-Certified Central Coast
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Sustainable Tourism Award for Central Coast
The Coast became Australia’s third certified ECO Destination in 2022, as part of a commitment to grow sustainable tourism practices in destination management and promote world-class nature-based experiences.
You can find about all things sustainable tourism on the Central Coast here.
KEEP READING: Central Coast named top 10 travel destination in Australia
Congratulation!