Wet Tropics Tourism Accreditation

The Wet Tropics Management Authority is working with the tourism industry and government agencies to develop an accreditation scheme for tour operators and guides in the Wet Tropics region. Accreditation has the potential to provide benefits for tour operators and guides as well as land managers.

Operators and guides may use accreditation to ensure they provide a high quality service to customers, to create a marketing advantage over others and, on occasions, to gain access to restricted sites. The tourism industry supports accreditation to foster consistently high product and service standards throughout the industry and encourage tourism growth. Many in the industry are already taking advantage of voluntary accreditation schemes.

Land managers and Aboriginal Traditional Owners wish to ensure that information and interpretation about the natural and cultural values of the World Heritage Area are accurate and well presented. They are also keen that operators, guides and tourists behave appropriately and with respect for the Area and its values. Whilst accreditation focuses on commercial operators and guides, land managers are also committed to making sure sites are well managed and presented and that the behaviour of all visitors is appropriate.

For tour guides and operators

Ecotourism Australia run certified eco accreditation programs for tourism operators and guides throughout Australia.

The Eco Guide Australia program provides a credential, endorsing the recipient as a guide who will deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible, and professional ecotourism experience. The Eco Guide Program also provides guides with a cost effective and convenient advantage in being able to attain both Eco Guide and the national Guides of Australia ( GOA) accreditation in one application.