ecoguide essentials
DESCRIPTION
Comprehensive booklet about Ecotourism Australia's EcoGuide certification programTRANSCRIPT
Essentials
EcoGuide Certification
www.ecotourism.org.au
© Peter Eve
1
Table of Contents
Why EcoGuide Certification? P.2
What does the program cover? P.2
What are the Benefits? P.3
Are you eligible? P.4
How much does it cost? P.4
The application process P.5
About Ecotourism Australia P.6
EcoGuide Certification – Essentials
2
The EcoGuide program provides individuals with a credential, endorsing the recipient as a guide who will
deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible and professional experience.
Why EcoGuide Certification?
EcoGuide Certification – Essentials
What does the program cover?
The EcoGuide program covers both generic guiding skills AND
EcoGuide specific minimal impact skills.
Generic Guiding skills:
Knowledge of the tourism industry
Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a guide and in
particular an EcoGuide
Communication skills
Safety, OH&S and risk management
Group management
Developing and delivering tour activities
Knowledge of subject matter
EcoGuide Specific Skills:
Planning and implementing minimal impact principle
Commitment to ongoing professional development
Ensuring activities respect Aboriginal culture and follow appro-
priate protocols regarding sharing of information on Aboriginal
culture
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Certification Process
EcoGuide Certification – Essentials
What are the benefits of EcoGuide Certification?
The process provides a practical guide to implement sound business principles, ecologi-
cally sustainable practices and culturally responsible initiatives.
Easy recognition of quality guides for tourism operators; a benchmark for training pur-
poses and greater product appeal through employing and promoting the use of accredit-
ed EcoGuides.
Use of an internationally recognised logo on your marketing material.
Both guides and operators gain an opportunity to promote guiding services as genuine
nature tourism or ecotourism, providing a competitive edge for these markets.
Visitors gain a guarantee of guides who are committed to providing quality nature tour-
ism and ecotourism experiences in a safe, culturally sensitive and environmentally sus-
tainable manner.
Environmental benefits flow from improved guiding practices that lead to fewer nega-
tive environmental and cultural impacts.
Profiled in EcoBytes newsletter and blog once certified, plus the opportunity to showcase
new innovations and news.
Promotion at international trade shows such as ATE.
Training providers gain a benchmark of best practice guiding.
25% discount to the annual ECO Conference.
List work wanted for FREE on the Ecotourism Australia Ecojobs webpage.
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Certification Process
EcoGuide Certification – Essentials
Are you eligible to become an EcoGuide?
Have you had at least 12 months guiding experience?
Do you hold a recognised and approved guiding accreditation (e.g.
Certificate III or IV in tourism guiding) plus a minimum of 3 months
full time guiding experience?
If you answered yes to either of these questions,
you are eligible to apply for EcoGuide certification!
How much will it cost?
EcoGuide Certification Fees:
Once-only assessment fee: $130
Ongoing annual fee: $99 Plus onsite verification activity
Annual fees include membership to Ecotourism Australia www.ecotourism.org.au
© Peter Eve
5
Application Process
EcoGuide Certification – Essentials
Do not hesitate to get in
touch if you are having
difficulties with your ap-
plication, we are here to
help!
Application Process
Start your application online or con-
tact us to receive an editable PDF ver-
sion of the application workbook
Pay your once-only application fee
and get started with your application
Once you have completed the
application, you can submit
Ecotourism Australia will now conduct
an internal review. We will contact you
if we need anything
Your application will now be sent to an
external independent assessor
Our assessor sends Ecotourism
Australia the assessment feedback
and advises if certification has been
achieved
Once you are certified, you are a provisional
EcoGuide until you complete your on-site
verification with on of our EcoGuide Assessors.
Ecotourism Australia will provide you with a list of
assessors in your area, once you are certified.
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About Ecotourism Australia
About us
Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 as an incorporated non-profit
organisation and is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry.
The organisation offers certification programs for tourism products available
in Australia such as accommodation, tours and attractions. Ecotourism
Australia also has a diverse membership that includes key industry
stakeholders, protected area managers and other government agencies,
academics and students, tourism, environmental, interpretation and training
consultants, local and regional tourism associations and travellers.
Become part of our community
With over 1,300 certified tourism experiences around
Australia, becoming certified is also a way to become
part of Ecotourism Australia’s large community and
interact with people who, just like you, are working to
protect Australia.
You can take part in our online social media cam-
paigns and get your message out there! Images, arti-
cles, latest news, you can provide us with the content
you want us to share for you.
Like us on Facebook and follow our blog EcoBytes!
Contact Us
Suite 3/47 Brookes Street
Bowen Hills QLD 4101
T: 07 3252 1530
F: 07 3252 0331
www.ecotourism.org.au
EcoGuide Certification – Essentials
EcoGuide Certification – Essentials
Get in touch!
Ecotourism Australia
2013 Copyright. All Right Reserved.
Images: Courtesy of Tourism Australia, Destination NSW & Tourism NT 2013