Accreditation and Membership
Tourism Accreditation
www.tict.com.au/accreditation/
Huon Bush Retreats is accredited by the National Tourism Accreditation Program which is an initiative of the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania. Accreditation ensures that a business has met a set of nationally endorsed industry standards. These standards include: Effective business planning; Professional and quality customer service; Accuracy in advertising; Compliance with legislative requirements; Appropriate business licensing and insurance and good environmental practices.
highly commended for excellence in sustainable tourism
Huon Bush Retreats was highly commended for excellence in sustainable tourism at the 2008 Tasmanian Tourism Awards on Friday night, 29th November 2008.
The Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism examined environmental, community, cultural and economic sustainability. Huon Bush Retreats’ operates a unique business model where conservation comes first and tourism income supports the conservation efforts.
Most of the 18 Tourism Awards categories had just one clear winner, but where it was difficult to separate two entrants, a “Highly Commended” award was presented in addition to the winner. Following as a close second to the category winner, the Tasmanian Government’s Overland Track, Huon Bush Retreats has been recognised as a high achiever in sustainability. Highly Commended awards were given in only 4 cases.
Huon Bush Retreats feel they are in good company. “To be recognised as a close second to a national icon such as the Overland Track is an exciting honor”, says co-owner Paul Dimmick. “The success of our business model and this high commendation award demonstrate that it is possible to place natural values first and sustainably share these values with Tasmanian, Mainland Australian and International visitors.”
“Environmental values are always considered first at Huon Bush Retreats. We initially purchased the property in order to protect the magnificent forest and find a way to share it with others,” says Paul. “Conservation covenants have been applied to the land titles to protect the natural values forever. Human impacts are limited to just 20% of the land, with 80% protected just for nature. Here, you can holiday guilt free, knowing that you are helping to protect the natural values that you are enjoying.”
Land for Wildlife
www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/webpages/sska-6b63aj?open
Land For Wildlife is a voluntary nature conservation scheme. Its aims are to encourage, support and recognise landholders and land managers who are taking a positive approach to the integration of property land management with nature conservation on private land.
Wildlife Tourism
http://www.wildlifetourism.org.au/
Wildlife Tourism Australia (WTA) is a non-profit organisation established to promote the sustainable development of a diverse wildlife tourism industry that supports conservation.
GALTA
Galta is a national network of tourism professionals dedicated to the welfare and satisfaction of all gay and lesbian travellers within and to Australia.
Huon Kingborough Tourism Association
Huon Bush Retreats is committed to working with other local tourism operators to ensure that potential guests have easy access to all the information required to plan a great holiday in the Huon Valley.