CORAL Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, has become the first marina in Australia to earn Sustainable Tourism Certification, through Ecotourism Australia.
The achievement underscores the marina’s commitment to global best-practice standards and highlights their leadership in sustainable tourism.
Head of Marketing and Business Development Joscelyn O’Keefe said effective environmental management was a key priority for the business.
“Our marina is uniquely located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and, as a destination marina, we attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year,” she said.
“We are acutely aware of the key role the marina plays in the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Whitsundays and, therefore, our commitment to effective environmental management is a key priority for us as a business.
“We are thrilled to receive Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia and to be the first marina in Australia to achieve this recognition.
“This accomplishment highlights our commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting responsible boating practices.
“Sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations and this certification will help us on our journey to continue to promote the concept of ‘travel for good’ to our guests, visitors and the wider community.”
Ecotourism Australia’s CEO Ms Elissa Keenan congratulated Coral Sea Marina on its achievement.
“Coral Sea Marina is the first marina to be awarded Sustainable Tourism Certification. Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” Ms Keenan said.
“It is also testament to the focus of the tourism industry in the Whitsundays region. We have 38 ECO Certified operators in the region and 18 operate their tour experiences from Coral Sea Marina.
“Australia boasts the third largest marine jurisdiction in the world, contributing $118.5 bn to our economy and supporting 462,000 jobs annually.
“It’s our responsibility to safeguard these waters for future generations. Ecotourism Australia is proud to have nearly 200 ECO Certified operators and over 700 marine-based experiences across Australia, who are committed to ensuring tourism activities play a role in preserving our oceans across our region.
“Coral Sea Marina is further contributing to this commitment.”
Sustainable Tourism Certification assesses businesses, through third-party auditing, against Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised ecotourism standard, across the four pillars of sustainability: Environmental, cultural, socio-economic impact and sustainable business operations.
Coral Sea Marina is dedicated to sustainability, integrating numerous initiatives throughout its operations.
The Coral Sea Academy educates guests and locals on the environment, Great Barrier Reef, and eco-friendly boating.
The marina features interpretive signage, a seagrass nursery, and citizen science programs.
It also honours the traditional owners of the land, the Birri-Gubba Nation, through cultural collaborations, signage and online resources.
Coral Sea Marina Resort provides environmental information, green boating guides, and updates via digital platforms and newsletters, promoting sustainability and respect for the Whitsundays’ natural and cultural heritage.
Coral Sea Marina has 520 wet berths, two shoreside marina villages, and hosts 80 per cent of the region’s on-water tourism experiences, including 52 commercial operators.
About Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, that promotes and supports the ecotourism industry in Australia through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems. It is recognised as the credible, national peak body for sustainable and nature-based tourism in Australia.
