LIZARD ISLAND AWARDED ADVANCED ECO ACCREDITATION
Thursday, 1 February 2007
Ecotourism Australia has awarded Voyages Lizard Island "Advanced Eco Certification". The accreditation is internationally recognised as one of the most respected endorsements for economic, environmental and social tourism practices.
According to Voyages CEO Chris Tallent, accreditation under Ecotourism Australia's "ecoCERTIFIED" program is an important and wonderful achievement for Voyages and their collection of remote wilderness tourism operations.
"The Voyages philosophy demands that we employ policies and practices endorsed by Ecotourism Australia and we were naturally excited to learn that Lizard Island has also passed the strict assessment criteria and has received the recognition it deserves," said Mr Tallent.
Voyages Lizard Island is located at the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland. It is Australia's premier island resort, acclaimed for its pristine wilderness and sublime luxury.
In order to achieve Advanced Eco Certification from Ecotourism Australia the property and tours had to demonstrate practices that matched 10 key principles of economic, environmental and social sustainability, through a rigorous submission process.
Voyages Lizard Island demonstrated excellent business management and operational planning, business ethics, responsible marketing, high levels of customer satisfaction, a natural area focus, environmental sustainability, interpretation and education programs, contribution to conservation, close ties with the local community, and cultural respect and sensitivity.
According to Ecotourism Australia, this certification provides industry, protected area managers, local communities, and travellers with an assurance that a certified product is backed by a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management, and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences.
Assessment of the property was conducted by an independent trained Assessor who reviewed and scored the properties. The Assessor's report was then considered by Ecotourism Australia's Assessment Panel.
Editors Note:
Voyages is an Australian travel company, providing experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations including the Red Centre, Top End, Queensland, the Kimberley and Tasmania. Voyages operate award-winning properties such as Ayers Rock Resort, Longitude 131°, Lizard Island, El Questro, Silky Oaks Lodge, Bedarra Island, and Cradle Mountain Lodge.
For more information and/or images please contact Bree Corbett on phone:
+61 2 8296 8106, or email: bree.corbett@voyages.com.au
Voyages is an Australian travel company, providing experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations including the Red Centre, Queensland, The Kimberley and Tasmania. Voyages operate award-winning properties such as Ayers Rock Resort, Longitude 131°, Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge and Cradle Mountain Lodge.