Coral Sea certified
Australia's Coral Sea Marina earns the nation's first Sustainable Tourism Certification for a marina, leading the way in eco-friendly marine tourism.
12 November 2024
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Coral Sea Marina, in Airlie Beach, Queensland, has achieved Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia, marking it as the first marina in Australia to reach this standard. The certification recognises adherence to best-practice guidelines in sustainable tourism.
“Our marina is uniquely located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and as a destination marina we attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year,” says Joscelyn O’Keefe, head of marketing and business development at the marina. “We are acutely aware of the key role the marina plays in the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Whitsundays and therefore, our commitment to effective environmental management is a key priority for us as a business.
“We are thrilled to receive Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia and to be the first marina in Australia to achieve this recognition. This accomplishment highlights our commitment to protecting the natural environment and promoting responsible boating practices.
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O’Keefe continues: “Sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations, this certification will help us on our journey to continue to promote the concept of ‘travel for good’ to our guests, visitors and the wider community.”
Elissa Keenan, Ecotourism Australia’s chief executive officer, praised Coral Sea Marina for its accomplishment. “Coral Sea Marina is the first marina to be awarded Sustainable Tourism Certification,” she says. “Achieving global standard certification is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
“It is also a testament to the focus of the tourism industry in the Whitsunday region. We have 38 ECO Certified operators in the region and 18 operate their tour experiences from the Coral Sea Marina.
“Australia boasts the third largest marine jurisdiction in the world, contributing $118.5 billion to our economy and supporting 462,000 jobs annually. It’s our responsibility to safeguard these waters for future generations.
“Ecotourism Australia is proud to have nearly 200 ECO Certified operators and over 700 marine-based experiences across Australia who are committed to ensuring tourism activities play a role in preserving our oceans across our region. Coral Sea Marina is further contributing to this commitment.”
The Sustainable Tourism Certification involves third-party auditing of businesses, assessing them against Ecotourism Australia’s ecotourism standards across four sustainability pillars: environmental, cultural, socio-economic impact and sustainable operations.
Coral Sea Marina has integrated sustainability initiatives throughout its site, including the Coral Sea Academy, which offers educational content for guests and the local community on topics such as the Great Barrier Reef and eco-friendly boating practices. Other initiatives include interpretive signage, a seagrass nursery, and citizen science programs.
The marina also collaborates with the traditional landowners, the Birri-Gubba Nation, through cultural partnerships, signage, and online resources. The Coral Sea Marina Resort provides green boating guides and updates on environmental stewardship through digital communications.
Coral Sea Marina, a destination marina in the Whitsundays, features 520 wet berths, two shoreside marina villages, and serves as the base for 80 percent of the region’s on-water tourism activities, supporting 52 commercial operators.
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