The website directory lists some of Australia’s most prestigious and award winning luxury accommodation properties, such as Paperbark Camp, Both Feet Walking Lodge, Somewhere Unique and the Thala Beach Lodge, defying preconceived notions that being “green” means ‘doing without”. A surprisingly high proportion number of properties listed on the site which have initiated genuine environmental actions, have also received major national tourism awards for luxury and unique accommodation.
ECOHOTEL has grown considerably in the past 6 months, as more and more accommodation properties get the message that travellers are deliberately choosing environmentally sustainable properties over those which are not. However, to maintain the integrity of the directory, properties on the ECOHOTEL directory may be listed by invitation only. Each accommodation property is required to list their national eco-accreditations, respond to a number of criteria outlined on the directory, and give detailed information about the environmental initiatives undertaken by the property. In addition, many of the properties listed on the ECOHOTEL directory have gone beyond these measures, and are setting the standard for eco practices in the tourism industry through initiatives such as: installing on site solar stations, establishing green management teams to oversee policy implementation, creating bio diverse wildlife habitats, education for staff and guests and participation in international eco accreditation schemes.
Future plans for the ECOHOTEL directory early next year include expanding into the green venue conference market, as corporations look to promote a "greener" image when holding company conferences.
