© Tourism and Events Queensland

A young woman and man walk along a boardwalk in Agnes Water, Gladstone, admiring the dappled light filtering through a canopy of towering trees with vine-covered trunks.

Queensland adds 9 new globally certified sustainable tourism destinations

Queensland has added 9 new destinations to its list of globally recognised as sustainable tourism destinations and high-quality nature-based experiences.

Background

The Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program provided grant funding of up to $150,000 to Queensland local government authorities and regional and local tourism organisations to support tourism destinations in achieving globally recognised certification through Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification or EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destination Standard.

The program was launched in 2022 and concluded on 30 June 2025. It was designed to:

• position Queensland to become a leader in sustainable tourism
• leverage the growth potential in nature-based tourism experiences
• support the actions required to achieve a climate-positive 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and meet the 2050 zero emissions target.

“We know visitors, now more than ever, are looking for sustainable tourism experiences. We know when regions commit to an ECO Destination Certification process, they commit to ongoing sustainable practices and continuously improve their actions, providing high-quality nature-based experiences in the region. They are focused on improving the environmental, social, cultural and financial outcomes for their local community.” - Elissa Keenan, Chief Executive Officer, Ecotourism Australia (2022 media statement)

Destinations

As of January 2025, 9 destinations have achieved certification under the program for the following organisations :

• Bundaberg Regional Council
• Etheridge Shire Council
• Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Limited
• Livingstone Shire Council
• City of Moreton Bay
• Murweh Shire Council
• Noosa Shire Council
• Scenic Rim Regional Council
• Townsville City Council

“Certification helps bring all your resources, efforts and data together to measure and track your destination's health, promote continuous improvement and deliver better outcomes for your residents and visitors.” - Stewart Moore, Chief Executive Officer, EarthCheck (2022 media statement)

Objectives

The program’s objectives were to:

• fast-track the certification process for Queensland destinations already engaged in either of the two nominated programs
• support new destinations to join the certification programs and achieve certification
• support certified destinations to attain a higher level of certification
• build a network of globally recognised certified destinations throughout Queensland.

Funding was aimed at:

• enhancing sustainable practices with a focus on climate resilience and low carbon footprint
• enabling certified destinations to adapt to changing visitor demands for high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.

© Tourism and Events Queensland

Several people surf and paddle in low waves at Noosa, with blue skies and a tree-covered rocky outcrop in the background.

© Tourism and Events Queensland

A family with two adults and two children toast marshmallows in a fire pit at dusk, with tents, tall trees and Mount Barney visible behind them.