Supporting Sustainability Experiences

Edutourism, or educational tourism, is where individuals engage in educational experiences while exploring new areas. It combines elements of tour guiding with learning opportunities, enriching locals and visitors understanding of culture, history, or environment.

Voluntourism involves participating in volunteer work as part of a travel experience, contributing to local initiatives and conservation efforts. It combines the desire to explore with the desire to make a positive impact, allowing people to engage in meaningful activities while exploring new places.

Ecotourism focuses on treading carefully and responsible in natural areas to conserve the environment, sustain the well-being of local people, and educate visitors about the importance of conservation. It aims to minimise negative impacts on ecosystems and promote sustainable practices, fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

Sustainable tourism seeks to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, society, and economy, while maximising the benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by aiming to actively restore and regenerate the ecosystems, cultures, and communities. It focuses on creating positive impacts, such as biodiversity conservation, cultural revitalisation, and social empowerment, to leave destinations in a better condition than before.

Tour guiding is a rewarding and fascinating way to tell stories and work. It’s also a great way to diversify your business or a flexible career option and may be a new product you offer as an individual or business.

There are many places to explore in Townsville. Having the right qualifications and training will build resilience and environmentally conscious processes in your tours and trails. Ecotourism is a business model that follows best practice global standards.

Read the Australian Tourism Export Council’s How to become a Tour Guide.

The Tour Guides Australia Council offer the following:

• Tour Guiding Fundamentals training

• Professional Guide Accreditation

There are a range of courses available to gain new skills and qualifications in guiding.

See the Australian Tourism Export Council website.

Savannah Guides offer training to become a nationally recognised EcoGuide.

This is for people with some prior guiding experience and will enhance your skills and experiences:

• Savannah Guides

• First Nations Cultural Awareness Training