Under the new Nature Based Tourism reforms all commercial Nature Based Tourism Operators in WA are now required to obtain Tourism Accreditation to access Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) managed lands and waters.

Operators will be required to achieve accreditation through a recognised program, such as the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP), within 6 months of gaining a new licence or upon renewal of their licence.

I’m not accredited, what do I need to do?

Businesses who are not accredited will need to complete the standard Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) to gain either a 1 year or 3 year DEC  T Class Licence.

Businesses wishing to obtain the extended 5,7 or 10 year T Class Licence you will be required to complete both the ATAP plus the additional EcoPlus Module.

More information about the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) delivered by Tourism Council WA can be found here.

Already accredited?

Businesses who are already accredited through the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP) are able to access T Class licences for 1 or 3 year terms.

Those wishing to access 5, 7 or 10 year licences  must complete the new EcoPlus module.

What is EcoPlus?

The EcoPlus is an optional module that can be completed in addition to the standard ATAP program. It is designed for operations demonstrating a level of environmental management over and above the requirements of ATAP.

The EcoPlus module is designed to be a meaningful tool to assist businesses in achieving environmental sustainability, and to recognise a business’s commitment to environmental management.

The Module:

• Gives businesses realistic goals for minimising their impact on the environment and educating their customers;
• Aids businesses striving for continuous improvement;
• Meets the Department of Environment and Conservation’s requirements;
• Promotes and encourages best practice;
• Focuses primarily on the capacities of small to medium businesses (who dominate the industry);
• Recognises businesses that are being proactive in applying environmental best practice to their businesses.

This approach benefits consumers, Park Managers, host communities and the tourism providers themselves.

The ATAP EcoPlus Module seeks to encourage a tourism industry commitment to the long term viability of the natural and cultural heritage on which it depends and can potentially be obtained by most business sectors, not only those which are focused on the natural environment.

How do I get started?

For those businesses not yet accredited, read the information about the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program and/or download the registration form

For further information about the EcoPlus Module please contact Emma Page at Tourism Council WA on (08) 9416 0704 or email epage@tourismcouncilwa.com.au