YHA has been granted Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification for three of its properties nationally.
YHA Sydney Harbour, YHA Port Elliot Beach House and YHA Adelaide Central have been awarded certification based on their strong commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management practices.
YHA Australia CEO Paul McGrath, says the trio of certifications shows the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community support.
“This certification not only differentiates us in a competitive market but also enhances our operational efficiency,” he said.
“By adopting sustainable practices, we are proud to offer eco-conscious travellers a responsible and enriching stay, while contributing positively to local economies and cultural preservation.
‘Our inclusion in the Green Travel Guide further amplifies our visibility and reputation as a leader in sustainable accommodation. Our partnership with Ecotourism Australia is a win-win situation with sustainable travel the big winner.” says
Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan congratulated the YHA properties for their efforts on sustainability.
“Each property has truly embraced the principles of sustainability and shown real leadership in reducing their environmental footprint and creating positive social impact,” she said.
“We look forward to continuing to support YHA as they aim to certify all 19 of their owned and operated properties in the next 12 months.”
Ecotourism Australia’s certification process includes over 200 key criteria across four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices. It can take up to 12 months to achieve certification, which includes an independent third-party audit.
YHA’s initiaives include The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre at YHA Sydney Harbour, which provides school children with learning opportunities at Australia’s largest urban archaeological site. YHA Adelaide Central runs Feel Good Fridays, where pancakes are served for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the Hutt Street Centre to aid Adelaide’s homeless community, while YHA Port Elliot participates annually in Earth Hour and Clean Up Australia Day, and have their own vegetable garden and on-site compost.