Guiding practices for implementing an eco-certification program: A case study of Ecotourism Australia

Authors

  • E'Lisha V. Fogle Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Clemson University
  • Lauren N. Duffy Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University

Keywords:

eco-certification, Ecotourism Australia, guiding practices, certification

Abstract

Certification has been one way in which tourism organizations demonstrate their responsibility toward the environment and local communities where their businesses are located. The purpose of this paper is to highlight guiding practices that can lead to successful implementation of a certification program. This research gleaned insight from leaders who have been intimately involved in one of the more well-known certification organizations, Ecotourism Australia Limited (EA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ‘Green Industry Leaders’ (GILs), professionals that have been involved with the development, refinement, and implementation of the eco-certification programs overseen by EA. Findings are organized as guiding practices aimed towards organizations seeking to develop a certification program. Guiding practices include demonstrating the benefits of certification, creative incentivizing, simplifying the implementation process, have stakeholders support maintaining a common voice for the industry, and seek a consistent approach by government when considering tourism development funding and investment is encouraged.

Author Biographies

E'Lisha V. Fogle, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Clemson University

E’Lisha Fogle is a third-year Ph.D. student in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management at Clemson University. Following three years of industry experience as a SODEXO Resource Manager, she received a joint MSc. in International Sustainable Tourism from the University of North Texas and Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigacíon Enseñanza, Costa Rica. She has conducted research in several capacities with organizations including Ecoworks International, Ecotourism Australia, and the City of Pickens, SC.

Lauren N. Duffy, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University

Dr. Lauren Duffy is an Assistant Professor at Clemson University, having earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University Bloomington. Her research interest is in tourism planning and development with a particular focus on power dynamics. Her research includes an international context where she has worked in communities in Ecuador, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Chile to help develop tourism in ways that benefit and support the local communities.

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Published

2018-06-02

How to Cite

Fogle, E. V. and Duffy, L. N. (2018) “Guiding practices for implementing an eco-certification program: A case study of Ecotourism Australia”, e-Review of Tourism Research, 15(2/3). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/206 (Accessed: 23 April 2024).

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2/3 (2018)

Section

Articles

License

e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR) is an international electronic bulletin for tourism research (ISSN:1941-5842). It comprises current tourism research articles, commentaries and reviews by industry professionals. The materials are provided for the personal noncommercial use of registered users of the eRTR, free to individuals and institutions. Copies of articles may be distributed for research or educational purpose, free of charge and without permission. However, commercial use of the eRTR or the articles contained herein is expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

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