Coral Sea earns a first in sustainability certification

Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, Queensland, has become the first marina in Australia to earn Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. The achievement underscores its commitment to global best-practice standards and highlights its leadership in sustainable tourism.

Joscelyn O’Keefe, head of marketing and business development, explained why the marina sought the certificate. “Our marina is uniquely located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and as a destination marina we attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year,” she said. “We are acutely aware of the key role the marina plays in the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Whitsundays and, therefore, our commitment to effective environmental management is a key priority for us as a business.
“Sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations. This certification will help us on our journey to continue to promote the concept of ‘travel for good’ to our guests, visitors and the wider community,” she added.
Ecotourism Australia’s CEO, Elissa Keenan, congratulated Coral Sea Marina on the achievement saying that it was not only a testament to its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship but also testament to the focus of the tourism industry in the Whitsunday’s region. “We have 38 ECO Certified operators in the region and 18 operate their tour experiences from the Coral Sea Marina,” she revealed.  
“Australia boasts the third largest marine jurisdiction in the world, contributing $118.5 billion to our economy and supporting 462,000 jobs annually. It’s our responsibility to safeguard these waters for future generations. Ecotourism Australia is proud to have nearly 200 ECO Certified operators and over 700 marine-based experiences across Australia who are committed to ensuring tourism activities play a role in preserving our oceans across our region. Coral Sea Marina is further contributing to this commitment,” Keenan said.
Sustainable Tourism Certification assesses businesses, through third party auditing, against Ecotourism Australia’s internationally recognised ecotourism standard across the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, socio-economic and sustainable business operations.
The marina has integrated numerous sustainability initiatives throughout its operations. The Coral Sea Academy educates guests and locals on the environment, Great Barrier Reef, and eco-friendly boating. The marina features interpretive signage, a seagrass nursery and citizen science programmes. It also honours the traditional owners of the land, the Birri-Gubba Nation, through cultural collaborations, signage and online resources. Coral Sea Marina Resort provides environmental information, green boating guides, and updates via digital platforms and newsletters, promoting sustainability and respect for the Whitsundays’ natural and cultural heritage.
Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning destination marina in the Whitsundays, at the heart of the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. It features 520 wet berths, two lively shoreside marina villages, and hosts 80% of the region’s on-water tourism experiences, including 52 commercial operators.