At the recent Byron Shire Council (BSC) meeting, all councillors supported Cr Delta Kay’s motion to begin the process of getting eco-tourism and destination certification for Byron Shire through Ecotourism Australia.
The motion requested a report outlining the requirements, costs, and opportunities for Byron Shire to pursue eco-tourism or destination certification with consideration of the benefits, challenges, and alignment with Council’s strategic objectives.
During the debate Cr Kay said that Byron Shire is one of the most heavily visited areas in Australia.
Over two million visitors a year
‘We welcome over two million visitors per year while supporting a small resident population of 38,000 – visitors impact our community, housing, environment and infrastructure,’ she said.
‘The Byron Shire is internationally recognised for its beautiful environment, and ecological values. From our beaches to our rainforests, these natural and cultural assets are a primary driver of visitation and are central to the Byron Shire’s identity and economy. Their longtime protection is essential to the sustainability of the visitor economy and, most importantly, the wellbeing of our local community.’
Cr Kay said that ‘eco-tourism and destination certification provides a framework to improve environmental management and sustainable outcomes, to use best practice across the tourism sector, and strengthen our Shire’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable tourism.’
Sustainable tourism
‘Eco destination certification provides a framework for businesses to be recognised as leaders in sustainable, nature-based tourism by minimising environmental impact and maximising benefits.’
Cr Kay highlighted that Council already has a destination management and visitor-economy action plan.
‘We have strategies to shift our organisation towards sustainable destination management by prioritising zero emissions, waste reduction, and biodiversity protection,’ she told the meeting.
‘We have our new partnership with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce to create more opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and organisations to work with Council for buying on Country [a program where more opportunities are created for Aboriginal businesses and organisations to work with Council].
Plans, strategies, and initiatives
‘The Byron Shire has many plans, strategies, and incredible community-led initiatives, but our weakness is a lack of a clear brand and destination identity. Thank you to all the staff who work really hard to make our Shire great. This eco-tourism and destination certification can bring all our strategies together so we are in the driver’s seat to tell the Byron story, tell about our special place, our community, and values.’
Cr Kay told The Echo that she believes the certification will encourage visitors to see the Byron Shire as a nature-based place.
‘I hope this certification will guide visitors to appropriate behaviour.’
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