At Tasman Venture we are proud to be certified by Ecotourism Australia, the peak body for ecotourism and sustainable tourism in Australia. It is important to us as a team to always be upfront and transparent about the work we are doing to stay true to our goals of creating safe, respectful and considerate tourism experiences. You can find below our commitments to our status as an Advanced Eco Certified business, and more information on our teams involvement and promises.
Advanced Eco-Certified
Tasman Venture are an advanced ecotourism certified business, meaning that we are one of Australia’s most leading and innovative ecotourism businesses. We are committed to operate with minimal impact on the environment, provide opportunities to learn about the environment, use resources wisely, contribute to conserving the environment and help local communities, respect local culture and heritage.
Mission Statement
Tourism is still far too often responsible, directly or indirectly, for activities and practices which are harmful to the environment, as well as to local people.
Tasman Venture are dedicated to work towards delivering a tourism experience which is more considerate towards the environment and to mankind. We endeavor to show as many people as possible that another type of tourism is achievable, based on ethical values and respect. And to prove that responsible tourism, which brings pleasure and well-being together without impacting on the quality of services and benefits, exists.
For Tasman Venture, the commitment to sustainable development means looking for results, not just financially, but also socially and environmentally.
This is interpreted and delivered by practices based on ethical values of respect:
This social and environmental responsibility has several advantages:
These problems must be taken into account and integrated into the running of our organisation, into our overall practices, and into our services and products, by considering the overall picture of their environmental impact right from their conception, throughout their life cycle.
To put our strategy into operation and translate it into action, Tasman Venture has equipped itself with a sustainable management plan, integrating the various sectors of sustainable development (environmental, economic, social), which intends to:
EcoGuide Certification
The beautiful part about the Fraser Coast area is the fact that K’gari is just as fascinating as the marine life that inhabit its waterways. EcoGuide Certification is a national program, recognising Tour Guides and Rangers who deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible and professional experience. The program is owned by Ecotourism Australia and operated in Australia by Savannah Guides.
At Tasman Venture we are proud to have many Guides who are certified as EcoGuides.
EcoGuide provides a professional development framework for Tour Operators, Protected Area Managers and accredited training deliverers, and they strive to provide:
Tasman Venture honours the EcoGuide Certification and strongly encourages all crew members to participate in the learnings and certificate.
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism development requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary.
Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them.
Sustainable tourism should:
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Make the best use of environmental resources that establish a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
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Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance.
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Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all participants that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.
Responsible Travel
Responsible tourism is like sustainable tourism, however as often the word sustainability is often overused and not understood, responsible tourism has been adopted as a term used by industry
Responsible tourism is any form of tourism that can be consumed in a more responsible way.
Responsible tourism needs to:
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Minimise the negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
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Generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhance the well-being of host communities, improve working conditions and access to the industry;
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Involve local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
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Make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage;
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Provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
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Provide access for physically challenged people;
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Be culturally sensitive, create respect between tourists and hosts, and build local pride and confidence.
Priorities
To further leave a positive impact on our natural surroundings and local communities, use the valuable Ecotourism Australia resources below to help you travel responsibly and actively contribute to the protection and preservation of the beautiful Fraser Coast waterways and Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.