Essentials

EcoGuide Certification

www.ecotourism.org.au

© Peter Eve

1

Table of Contents

Why EcoGuide Certification? P.2

What does the program cover? P.2

What are the Benefits? P.3

Are you eligible? P.4

How much does it cost? P.4

The application process P.5

About Ecotourism Australia P.6

EcoGuide Certification – Essentials

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The EcoGuide program provides individuals with a credential, endorsing the recipient as a guide who will

deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible and professional experience.

Why EcoGuide Certification?

EcoGuide Certification – Essentials

What does the program cover?

The EcoGuide program covers both generic guiding skills AND

EcoGuide specific minimal impact skills.

Generic Guiding skills:

Knowledge of the tourism industry

Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a guide and in

particular an EcoGuide

Communication skills

Safety, OH&S and risk management

Group management

Developing and delivering tour activities

Knowledge of subject matter

EcoGuide Specific Skills:

Planning and implementing minimal impact principle

Commitment to ongoing professional development

Ensuring activities respect Aboriginal culture and follow appro-

priate protocols regarding sharing of information on Aboriginal

culture

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Certification Process

EcoGuide Certification – Essentials

What are the benefits of EcoGuide Certification?

The process provides a practical guide to implement sound business principles, ecologi-

cally sustainable practices and culturally responsible initiatives.

Easy recognition of quality guides for tourism operators; a benchmark for training pur-

poses and greater product appeal through employing and promoting the use of accredit-

ed EcoGuides.

Use of an internationally recognised logo on your marketing material.

Both guides and operators gain an opportunity to promote guiding services as genuine

nature tourism or ecotourism, providing a competitive edge for these markets.

Visitors gain a guarantee of guides who are committed to providing quality nature tour-

ism and ecotourism experiences in a safe, culturally sensitive and environmentally sus-

tainable manner.

Environmental benefits flow from improved guiding practices that lead to fewer nega-

tive environmental and cultural impacts.

Profiled in EcoBytes newsletter and blog once certified, plus the opportunity to showcase

new innovations and news.

Promotion at international trade shows such as ATE.

Training providers gain a benchmark of best practice guiding.

25% discount to the annual ECO Conference.

List work wanted for FREE on the Ecotourism Australia Ecojobs webpage.

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Certification Process

EcoGuide Certification – Essentials

Are you eligible to become an EcoGuide?

Have you had at least 12 months guiding experience?

Do you hold a recognised and approved guiding accreditation (e.g.

Certificate III or IV in tourism guiding) plus a minimum of 3 months

full time guiding experience?

If you answered yes to either of these questions,

you are eligible to apply for EcoGuide certification!

How much will it cost?

EcoGuide Certification Fees:

Once-only assessment fee: $130

Ongoing annual fee: $99 Plus onsite verification activity

Annual fees include membership to Ecotourism Australia www.ecotourism.org.au

© Peter Eve

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Application Process

EcoGuide Certification – Essentials

Do not hesitate to get in

touch if you are having

difficulties with your ap-

plication, we are here to

help!

Application Process

Start your application online or con-

tact us to receive an editable PDF ver-

sion of the application workbook

Pay your once-only application fee

and get started with your application

Once you have completed the

application, you can submit

Ecotourism Australia will now conduct

an internal review. We will contact you

if we need anything

Your application will now be sent to an

external independent assessor

Our assessor sends Ecotourism

Australia the assessment feedback

and advises if certification has been

achieved

Once you are certified, you are a provisional

EcoGuide until you complete your on-site

verification with on of our EcoGuide Assessors.

Ecotourism Australia will provide you with a list of

assessors in your area, once you are certified.

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About Ecotourism Australia

About us

Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 as an incorporated non-profit

organisation and is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry.

The organisation offers certification programs for tourism products available

in Australia such as accommodation, tours and attractions. Ecotourism

Australia also has a diverse membership that includes key industry

stakeholders, protected area managers and other government agencies,

academics and students, tourism, environmental, interpretation and training

consultants, local and regional tourism associations and travellers.

Become part of our community

With over 1,300 certified tourism experiences around

Australia, becoming certified is also a way to become

part of Ecotourism Australia’s large community and

interact with people who, just like you, are working to

protect Australia.

You can take part in our online social media cam-

paigns and get your message out there! Images, arti-

cles, latest news, you can provide us with the content

you want us to share for you.

Like us on Facebook and follow our blog EcoBytes!

Contact Us

Suite 3/47 Brookes Street

Bowen Hills QLD 4101

T: 07 3252 1530

F: 07 3252 0331

eco@ecotourism.org.au

www.ecotourism.org.au

EcoGuide Certification – Essentials

EcoGuide Certification – Essentials

Get in touch!

Ecotourism Australia

2013 Copyright. All Right Reserved.

Images: Courtesy of Tourism Australia, Destination NSW & Tourism NT 2013