Encouraging environmentally and socially responsible tourism management practices through well-designed certification: a case study in the camping and caravan industry, Australia

The tourism industry has developed a range of voluntary initiatives such as, certification programs as a means to improve environmental performance. A WTO study conducted in 2001 revealed over 7,000 certified products worldwide. Of 500 voluntary initiatives examined, only 59 certification/ecolabel programs had the basic requirements of a credible program. This article highlights how a major certification initiative for the NSW Camping and Caravan Industry Association (CCIA), Australia uses the critical elements from UNEP, WTO publications, the Mohonk Agreement, certification programs, practitioners and tourism operators worldwide to produce a program that is more effective, efficient and credible. It specifically focuses on how the new 'Gumnut Award' has tailored the program to the needs of the industry, and that the fundamental process of stakeholder involvement is crucial to the success of any quality assurance program. Engagement with stakeholders provides a greater understanding of their needs, attitudes and barriers to implementation and their willingness to participate, resulting in a more effective mode of delivery.