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Programs / quality tourism framework / ECOSTAR
WHAT IS ECOSTAR ACCREDITATION?
The EcoStar Accreditation Program forms part of the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF). QTF combines Tourism Accreditation, Star Ratings and the Australian Tourism Awards programs into a single pathway for business development.
EcoStar is for Quality Tourism Accredited Businesses wanting to achieve and demonstrate their commitment to the very highest standards of sustainable environment and cultural practices.
EcoStar provides a practical framework for tourism operators working in and around conservation areas and high value natural and cultural destinations, to implement the highest levels of business practice and measures to minimise their impact on the surroundings.
It is also a resource for all tourism operators wanting to demonstrate to their customers and community their commitment to the highest business sustainability practices.
CRITERIA
EcoStar is an add-on module of the Quality Tourism Framework with its own accreditation criteria assessing operator’s business practices, policies and procedures relating to:
– Sustainable Resource Use: Monitoring and minimising Electricity, Fuel, Water and Materials.
– Natural Environment Protection: Measures and procedures to minimise footprint on natural habit and wildlife. Engagement in conservation initiatives.
– Built Environment Performance: Building design and performance that conforms to the natural environment values in which it is situated.
– Environmentally Responsible Behaviour: Evidence of design, planning and business procedures to minimise impact of activities on natural environment.
– Working with Local and Indigenous Communities: What steps has the business undertaken to engage, support and involve local communities and traditional land-owners?
– Promotion of Environmental and Social Understanding: Training and education resources and practices for staff and customer on relevant environment and cultural practices.
Operators who complete the EcoStar criteria will be assessed as part of their normal tourism accreditation. They will have access to the EcoStar brandmark to display on their marketing collateral, and able to reference their EcoStar Accreditation in grant applications, awards submissions and licensing agreements.
COST
The fee to enrol into EcoStar is $100 (+GST) per annum for all Quality Tourism Accredited Businesses on top of their annual TiCSA membership fee.
