Big Red Group, Ecotourism Australia partner for sustainable tourism

Big Red Group, the largest network for travel experiences in Australia and New Zealand, is teaming up with Ecotourism Australia to promote sustainable tourism in the area.

Under the deal, experience operators on Big Red Group’s platform can demonstrate their sustainable credentials by showcasing certifications from Ecotourism Australia, a not-for-profit that promotes sustainable tourism in part through national certification programs.

Big Red Group encompasses operators of more than 14,000 experiences, including the platforms Adrenaline, Experience Oz and RedBalloon. The company recognized a responsibility to incorporate a mindfulness for the environment into its business model, said Jemma Fastnedge, the company’s chief sustainability officer.

“We are moving toward a travel industry where sustainable tourism is no longer a nice-to-have but an essential component of running a successful operation,” she said. “Our partnership with Ecotourism Australia will help make sustainability information more accessible so businesses can responsibly share their sustainability achievements and travelers can book and spend according to their values.”

Businesses on the Big Red Group’s platforms that complete Ecotourism Australia’s pre-certification scorecard will have the option to display an icon on their listing. Businesses that progress to achieving global best practice sustainability standards through Ecotourism Australia’s full certification programs can soon display their certification on their listing.

Big Red Group’s support for the program demonstrates the company’s commitment to “walk the talk” on sustainability, said Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan.

“Sustainability is no longer a theme or a trend, it is a critical part of any business,” she said. “The expectations of travelers are rapidly changing – they want to choose an experience committed to minimizing environmental impact … [and they] want to be able to easily identify operators who will deliver the experience they are expecting.”