Application — submitting information about your practices

Assessment — an independent review of your operations

Verification — evidence checking and sometimes site visits

Ongoing compliance — maintaining standards and regular re-assessment

Credibility — independent verification builds trust

Differentiation — stand out from competitors

Market access — some buyers require certification

Continuous improvement — the process helps you get better

Recognition — celebrate your achievements publicly

Guidance — certification frameworks provide a roadmap

Ecotourism — for nature-based tourism operators

Advanced Ecotourism — for operators with stronger practices

Certified Ecotourism — the highest level of achievement

ROC (Respecting Our Culture) — for authentic Indigenous experiences

Climate Action — for businesses addressing climate change

Benchmarking against industry standards

Tiered certification levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)

Comprehensive environmental and social criteria

Suitable for larger operations and destinations

Focuses on the built environment

Relevant for accommodation providers

Covers design, construction, and operation

Internationally recognised

Covers environmental and social performance

Looks at your entire business model

Growing recognition among conscious consumers

Rigorous assessment process

Tours and experiences — Ecotourism Australia suits well

Accommodation — EarthCheck or Green Star may be relevant

Mixed operations — consider multiple certifications

Indigenous tourism — look at ROC certification

Domestic travellers — Australian certifications are well known

International visitors — globally recognised certifications help

Trade partners — check what certifications they value

Corporate clients — they often require specific certifications

Cost — certification fees vary significantly

Time — some processes take months to complete

Staff capacity — you'll need someone to manage the process

Existing practices — closer alignment means easier certification

Research the certification criteria

Assess your current practices honestly

Identify gaps you'll need to address

Estimate the effort required

List all criteria for your chosen certification

Evaluate your current compliance with each

Prioritise gaps by importance and effort

Create an action plan to address gaps

Update policies and procedures

Improve operational practices

Install new equipment if needed

Train staff on new requirements

Document everything

Complete the application form

Gather required documentation

Pay application fees

Submit evidence of your practices

Review your documentation

May conduct a site visit or audit

Provide feedback on any gaps

Give you time to address issues

Receive your certification

Get access to logos and marketing materials

Be listed in certified operator directories

Celebrate and communicate your achievement

Maintaining your standards

Submitting annual reports

Undergoing periodic re-assessment

Continuing to improve

Add certification logos to your website

Include them on marketing materials

Display certificates at your premises

Share the news on social media

Update your business listings

Tell your existing customers

Train staff to talk about it

Provide links to certification body listings

Allow customers to verify your status

Be transparent about your certification level

Go to Tourism for Good

Navigate to Evidence

Click Add Evidence

Select Certification as the evidence type

Enter certification details:

Upload your certificate

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