Spread the love

The Douglas Shire has been named in a global top 100 list of the world’s most environmentally sound places to visit – the only Australian tourism destination to receive the international accolade.

The first 60 places in the Sustainable Destinations Top 100 were named on World Environment Day (September 27) at an awards presentation in the Netherlands.

Tourism Port Douglas Daintree chief executive Tara Bennett said the elite award is only given to the world’s most environmentally-observant tourism destinations.

To be on the list, the destination through Douglas Shire Council and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree tourism industry had to provide extensive information on the Port Douglas and Daintree region and how their community and industries, tourism operations in particular, were sustainable for the benefit of visitors, local communities and the world.

“They have had to prove they have worked hard to introduce and sustain environmental programs and practices and that sustainability is at the core of their businesses,” Ms Bennett said.

“Measures included in the submission ranged from water quality controls, community led sustainability initiatives, buying land for reforestation to coast clean ups, planting trees and cultural sensitivity.”

Already 24 operators in the Port Douglas Daintree area are providing eco-certified tourism experiences in compliance with the Eco Tourism Australia and a program to become Australia’s first eco-certified region has been developed by the Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and Eco Tourism Australia.

Ms Bennett said the award was a tremendous honour and indicative of the emphasis and energy the region invested in environmentally sound practices.

“We are at the junction of two hugely important ecological regions in the world – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

“It is both our duty and a privilege to protect them. Environmental sustainability is a core business practice of operating in Port Douglas Daintree.”

The full 2018 Top 100 list is available at www.SustainableTop100.org.