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Earn trust. Drive growth. Make a difference.

Travel is changing - and so are travellers.

They’re seeking experiences that protect nature, honour culture, and support local communities. They want to know the businesses they choose share those values – and can prove it.

The Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Program helps your business lead that change.

Backed by industry, and supported through funding from the Australian Government to enhance the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF), it helps tourism operators care for the environment, celebrate culture, and give back to the communities that make their destinations special.

Join over 3,400 accredited businesses building a stronger, more sustainable future for Australian tourism.

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How It Works

Becoming Sustainable Tourism accredited is easier than you might think. The process is entirely online and designed to guide you step by step.

Step 1:
Register

Create an account through the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF) and enrol in the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Program.

Step 2:
Complete your online assessment

Provide key details and evidence across core areas of your business, including insurance, licences and permits, business planning, risk management, customer service, and environmental and cultural responsibility.

Step 3:
Review and submit

Once complete, submit your assessment through QTF for review by your State or Territory Tourism Industry Council. 

Step 4:
Get accredited

When your submission meets all program standards, you’ll officially become a Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business - recognised for operating responsibly and leading the way in sustainable travel.

Start your accreditation journey

Why get accredited?

Because every accredited business gains more - more trust, more visibility, and more opportunities to grow. Accreditation turns your commitment into a clear competitive advantage.

National recognition that sets you apart

Be formally recognised as both a Quality Tourism and Sustainable Tourism accredited business – demonstrating excellence, safety, and sustainability under Australia’s trusted national standards.

Credibility that builds trust

Show travellers and industry partners you meet Australia’s highest benchmarks for responsible, professional tourism – and earn more credibility as a result.

Tools and insights to strengthen your business

Access complimentary Shiji ReviewPro Reputation tools to track guest feedback, improve your online reputation, and make informed business decisions.

Learning and support to help you grow

Tap into the Quality Tourism eLearning Hub and get ongoing guidance from your State or Territory Industry Council to continuously improve and expand your business.

Visibility and connection that drive results

Showcase your accreditation on Trust the Tick and have your ATDW listing automatically updated to reflect your new status – linking you with a national network of 3,400+ recognised operators.

Pathways to go further

Open doors to other Quality Tourism programs – like Accessible Tourism and Tourism Emissions Reduction – to deepen your impact and strengthen your leadership in sustainable travel.

Why the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF)?

This is recognised as Australia’s largest and longest-running sustainability program. A QTF accreditation sets the benchmark for responsible, high-quality tourism.

What sets it apart?

  • Ensures national consistency across all states and territories.
  • Practical and action-focused, with tools and templates to help you improve.
  • Connects accredited businesses with travellers through Trust the Tick – a trusted platform showcasing quality, sustainable tourism experiences across Australia.
  • Industry-led and supported by Tourism Australia and Austrade.
  • Supported by the Australian Government with $8 million in funding to enhance and improve the Quality Tourism Framework, reaffirming its support for small and regional tourism businesses to strengthen quality, accessibility, and sustainability in their operations.

By getting accredited, your business gains credibility, visibility, and the backing of Australia’s leading sustainability framework for continued growth. It’s more than an accreditation – it’s a shared commitment to a thriving, sustainable future for Australian tourism.

Why It Matters

Sustainable tourism is vital to the long-term success of Australia’s visitor economy, and accreditation helps businesses be part of that change.

01 Build consumer confidence.

Travellers can easily identify operators they can trust to act responsibly.

02 Strengthen the industry.

Shared standards create a more resilient, forward-thinking tourism sector.

03 Protect natural and cultural heritage.

Accredited businesses reduce environmental impact and honour First Nations and local communities.

04 Show business leadership.

Travellers can easily identify operators they can trust to act responsibly.

05 Drive positive change.

Travellers can easily identify operators they can trust to act responsibly.

Hear from accredited operators

The accreditation process was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend it to any host, regardless of the size of their business.

I was particularly impressed by the professionalism, depth of knowledge, and level of support provided throughout the process. It was a pleasant surprise to see such dedication to helping businesses like mine thrive. I absolutely recommend the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation process. The knowledge gained, the expert guidance and support provided, and the development of trust, recognition, and credibility for your brand are invaluable. The networking opportunities and insights into the visitor economy are also incredibly beneficial and inform decision-making. It’s a worthwhile investment for any tourism business committed to responsible and sustainable practices.

- Lola Melbourne by Escape the Ordinary Collection (VIC)

If you’re considering applying for Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, be prepared to go on a quality journey.

You don’t need to have everything in place, or know all the details about your business and where your heading before you start….just start! Becoming an accredited business is much more than a tick-box exercise—it’s a valuable experience that offers an opportunity for structured reflection. Sustainable Quality Tourism Accreditation program provides a benchmark. It guides you through a set of practical steps to measure your business’s performance against quality standards, pinpointing areas where improvements can be made.

- Double Black Alpine (VIC)

I am no IT wizard so I was a little daunted initially about how I was going to go with my accreditation but I needn’t have worried.

From the initial contact I felt welcome, the platform was easy to navigate and it gave me the tools to snapshot my business. Cultural awareness and the environment are crucial to the sustainability of any business but mine especially, because I operate exclusively in National and Marine Parks in Exmouth. I felt from the start we were heading in the right direction and now after achieving accreditation I am proud to promote my business with confidence. Becoming a member of TCWA and attaining accreditation has not only helped satisfy licence conditions, it will also save me ongoing fees and I can see the services and programmes on offer being a great resource to help further my small business.

- Maccydave’s Kayak Fishing Adventures (WA)

Since joining TCWA and working through the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, we have implemented eco-conscious practices across our operations.

From minimising waste, having collection points to reuse items that would otherwise end up in trash, and encouraging responsible camping to ensuring our vehicles are as environmentally friendly as possible, we are focused on protecting the stunning destinations that make our adventures so special.

- Defender Adventure (WA)

Turn your commitment into a competitive advantage

What if your business could do good - and stand out for it?

Join thousands of Australian tourism businesses leading the way in sustainability, quality, and community impact.

Take the first step today!

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Program?

The Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Program is Australia’s industry-aligned national standard for responsible tourism.

It gives operators the tools, resources, and credibility to meet traveller expectations – from reducing environmental impact to supporting local communities and strengthening business resilience.

The Australian Government has provided $8 million in funding to enhance and improve the QTF, reaffirming its support for small and regional tourism businesses to strengthen quality, accessibility, and sustainability in their operations.

What are the eligibility requirements?

The program is open to all Australian tourism-related businesses that hold a valid ABN. To access the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF), you’ll need to have an active membership or accreditation with your local Tourism Industry Council – payment is required before you can begin the accreditation process. Membership and accreditation are designed to be accessible and affordable so that businesses of all sizes can participate and benefit from the program.

How long does the process take?

If your documentation is ready, you can complete the process in as little as an afternoon. 

Need time to refine your policies or sustainability practices? That’s fine too – the program is flexible and designed to support you at every step.

How much does it cost to get accredited?

Accreditation fees vary depending on where your business is located. To find out the exact cost for your region, get in touch with your State or Territory Tourism Industry Council – they’ll provide a clear breakdown and guide you through the next steps.

While fees differ across States and Territories, the accreditation program is structured to be affordable for businesses big and small, offering strong value for the benefits and recognition it provides.

What support is available throughout the process?

You won’t be doing it alone. Every business completing the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Program receives support at every stage of the journey. 

Your State or Territory Tourism Industry Council is there to provide personalised guidance and answer any questions about the program or assessment requirements. 

The online assessment itself is designed to be simple and self-guided, and includes: 

  • Clear, step-by-step instructions
  • Helpful hints and real-world examples in every section 
  • Downloadable templates to make preparing your documentation easier

These tools and resources ensure that businesses of all sizes can complete the process confidently – and achieve accreditation with the support they need.

What is considered in the assessment of the tourism business?

Every business that applies for Sustainable Tourism Accreditation is assessed through the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF) – a national standard that recognises tourism operators for their sustainability, quality, and professionalism.

During the assessment, you’ll provide information across key areas of your operations, including:

  • Insurance:Verifies your business has appropriate coverage.
  • Licences & Permits:Ensures all required authorisations are current
  • Business & Marketing: Reviews your planning, promotion, and online presence.
  • Customer Service: Checks your service policies and supporting documentation.
  • Operating Systems: Reviews your procedures around cleaning, maintenance, purchasing, and supplier management.
  • Risk:Verifies that you have risk management, emergency, and safety procedures in place.
  • Environmental Sustainability & Cultural Responsibility: Assesses how you reduce environmental impact, engage with local communities, and respect First Nations Culture.
  • ATDW Listing: Notes whether you maintain an active Australian Tourism Data Warehouse listing.
  • Code of Conduct: Requires agreement to the Quality Tourism Framework Code of Conduct.

Once all criteria are met, your business is officially recognised as a Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business – a trusted mark of leadership and commitment to sustainable tourism in Australia.

Take the first step today

Join thousands of Australian tourism businesses leading the way in sustainability, quality, and community impact.

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