Ecotourism Australia's CEO has hit out at Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson for undermining the ecotourism industry.

Ms Cheatham said that there is strong evidence that people contemplating travelling in Australia seek out environmentally sustainable accommodation.

“This research clearly shows that there is a strong market for environmentally friendly accommodation to be developed and supported in Australia.” she said.

“However it also clearly outlines some challenges, not the least of which is the Minister calling the sector a ‘niche product’, when this research shows that 82% of international respondents and 62% of Australia respondents would consider staying in eco-accommodation.”

Coupled with this, research released by Tourism Australia earlier this year found “Nature in Australia” the most motivating, appealing, exciting and relevant to international and domestic travellers.

“Clearly the appeal of the natural assets of the destination, are paramount to the attraction of ecotourism developments which incorporate accommodation” Ms Cheatham said. 

“As clearly is the need to ensure that these types of are developments are constructed with minimal impact on the environment to ensure credibility with the traveller.

“It is important that Tourism Ministers and their departments realise the importance of ecotourism and nature tourism to destination appeal as well as ensuring that any ‘eco’ named development is also ‘eco’ in reality.”

On a recent Global Green Economy Index, Australia ranked third in world for the perception of having Green Tourism while dropping to number ten for performance. 

“Clearly, as a country, we need to do better if we are going to create compelling authentic reasons for people to travel to and in Australia” Ms Cheatham said. 

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