A few months ago PSFK wrote about whether ‘Eco-travel’ is possible; and now, a new eco-accreditation program set to launch in Australia is hoping to help answer the question. The Climate Action Australia Certification Program represents tourist agencies that reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint. Run by the government eco-tourism initiative Climate Action Australia, the site covers all forms of tourism activity, including: sights, tours, transport, restaurants, travel agencies, tourism commissions and industry bodies. With tourism declining alongside the economic downturn, the Australian government hopes CAACP will give agencies a competitive edge and attract eco-conscious travellers.
Agencies have to sit through rigorous testing to prove their businesses are eco-friendly, listing their business plan modifications to suit an ever-changing climate.
Business development manager for Ecotourism Australia Kristie Gray explains the CAACP advantage to local business:
A consumer will pick a certified product over non-certified 100 per cent of the time, given that they’re operating at a similar price point and offering a similar product.
With world-wide ecotourism sites like Green Globe setting the eco-standard for tourism ventures, the real question in these unstable economic times is whether consumers care more about the dollar or the planet?
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I have heard the controversy behind whether eco travel is really possible. i think eco tourism activities and eco resorts that promote nature appreciation are a good thing though. great post thanks for sharing!
February 24th, 2009 at 1:47 pm