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Sustainable Tourism

Tourism operators can pursue various sustainability credentials and certifications to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. These certifications help operators minimize their environmental impact, support local communities, and meet the expectations of eco-conscious travellers. Here are some of the key sustainability credentials that tourism operators in South Australia can undertake:


Austrade and Tourism Australia
Austrade and Tourism Australia have developed the Sustainable Tourism Toolkit to help give businesses clear and practical assistance to become more sustainable. The toolkit covers the following topics:

In addition to the Toolkit, Sustainability Storytellers, a free guide to help businesses promote their sustainability credentials, is also now available and can be accessed from the Tourism Australia website.

Download a copy of the tool kit:

Sustainable Tourism Toolkit


Ecotourism Australia provide several credentials:
Strive for sustainability Scorecard is a pathway program for any tourism business to start their sustainability journey, foundered by Tourism Australia. The scorecard measures 4 pillars of sustainability including; environmental impacts, socio-economic impacts, cultural impacts and sustainable management. Costs - $250 + GST
Business Eco Certification - is designed for tours, accommodation or attractions with a nature focus to their visitor experience.
Sustainable Tourism Business Certification - is designed for all businesses that operate in the tourism supply chain in a non-nature-based space, including hotels, attractions, tours, transport, restaurants, breweries, and more. An Advanced level of certification is also available in this program stream

Quality Tourism Accreditation
The Australian Tourism Accreditation certifies tourism businesses that meet specific quality assurance criteria ensuring they are committed to exceeding consumer expectations with great customer service and the highest standards of business practice. All quality tourism accredited businesses undertake regular onsite audits to ensure compliance. Contact TICSA for further information.


Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Program
Sustainable Tourism guides businesses to create high quality, engaging and memorable visitor experiences that address this changing global trend of experiential tourism.

Tourism businesses engaged in this stage will utilise the learning tools and resources to develop best business practices that create experiences that not just meet but exceed customer expectations and demonstrate sound sustainability practices. Contact ATIC for further information.


EarthCheck Certification
EarthCheck is a leading sustainability certification program for the tourism industry. It assesses the environmental and social performance of tourism businesses and provides a roadmap for improvement.

Carbon Neutral Measures
Assists business to integrate strategies to mitigate the climate crisis.


Equal Opportunity SA – We’re Equal Initiative.
Dealing with discrimination, bullying, and harassment remains an issue for many businesses. Equal Opportunity SA reported that 82% of complaints it received last year were from people experiencing discrimination in their workplace, and in the goods and services sector. Research shows that businesses with a diverse workforce and who respond to the needs of diverse consumers have better retention and productivity outcomes, and attract loyal customers.

WE’RE EQUAL is a free, member-based initiative from Equal Opportunity SA to help businesses become discrimination-free, and gives customers and workers a way to identify businesses committed to anti-discrimination.