International Eco Certification Program

The International Eco Certification Program (IECP), administered by Ecotourism Australia, is a certification scheme for nature-based tourism operators and products. It is designed to give travellers confidence that a certified product meets rigorous, independently assessed standards for environmental sustainability, resource management, and contribution to local communities. The program is primarily relevant to hospitality and tourism businesses operating in natural areas across Australia.

The certification is structured across three progressive tiers. Nature Tourism recognises operators working in natural settings who demonstrate a minimal environmental footprint. EcoTourism applies to operators who go further by actively educating visitors about the natural environment, managing resources responsibly, supporting conservation efforts, and benefiting local communities. Advanced Ecotourism is the highest tier, awarded to operators who demonstrate best-practice performance across all of those same areas, with a strong and verifiable commitment to environmental leadership.

For tourism businesses, the certification serves as a credible, third-party signal of genuine sustainability commitment rather than self-reported claims. For operators deciding whether to pursue it, the program involves meeting defined criteria across environmental, social, and management dimensions, with the appropriate tier depending on the nature and depth of the operation's sustainability practices.