In this enlightening episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias sits down with ne Lewis from Ecotourism Australia to discuss the vital intersection of agritourism and sustainable practices. Corinne shares her experiences from the recent ART conference, highlighting the inspiring stories of local farmers who are blending their agricultural roots with tourism, all while navigating the unique challenges of this evolving sector.

Listeners will gain insights into the certification process offered by Ecotourism Australia, which helps operators understand their sustainability journey through a structured scorecard system. Corinne emphasises the importance of not just achieving certification but also effectively communicating these sustainable practices to potential travellers. She encourages operators to showcase their commitment to sustainability and community engagement, reinforcing that it's not merely about having a certificate, but about embodying these values in every aspect of their business.

As the conversation unfolds, the episode explores the growing demand for authentic travel experiences and the role of local communities in shaping these offerings. Corinne's passion for supporting both small operators and larger hotel chains in their sustainability efforts shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the tourism industry looking to innovate and thrive.

00:52 - Highlights from the Agritourism Conference 01:37 - Challenges and Opportunities in Agritourism 02:29 - Sustainable Practices in Agritourism 04:00 - Ecotourism Australia's Certification Programs 04:47 - The Certification Process and Its Benefits 07:04 - Destination Certification and Regional Collaboration 09:35 - Marketing and Leveraging Certification 10:55 - The Importance of Community and Collaboration

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Show hosted by Despina Karatzias and brought to you by Tourism Hub in association with Institute Of Excellence.

Stay engaged, stay sustainable, and remember to share your journey with the world!