2010 Ecotourism Australia Gecko Awards

Ecotourism Australia has announced the winners of the 2010 Ecotourism Australia Gecko Awards at the Global ECO Conference in Noosa Queensland.

"The winners this year are outstanding examples of responsible, ethical and sustainable tourism in Australia," said Kym Cheatham, CEO, Ecotourism Australia. "They are true tourism industry leaders and deserve the recognition these awards bring."

This years winners include Crystal Creek Meadows, New South Wales for the Climate Action Award;  Gecko Canoeing, Northern Territory for the Ecotourism Award; and Bookabee Tours, South Australia for the Indigenous Tourism Award.  Mike Keighley from Far Out Adventures in the Northern Territory won the EcoGuide Award of Excellence and Christopher Warren from Crystal Creek Meadows was awarded the ECO Medal, recognising his outstanding contribution to issues concerning the environment and tourism.

"The panel of judges were overwhelmed by the quality of the submissions this year, " said Professor Ross Dowling, Chair of the Awards Committee when presenting the awards at the Gala Dinner of the Global ECO Conference. "The winners rare truly the best of the best in Australia."

Ecotourism Australia's Gecko Awards are announced every year at the Global ECO Conference.

The winners are:

• 2010 Climate Action Award - sponsored by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

• 2010 Ecotourism Award - sponsored by Tourism NT

• 2010 Indigenous Tourism Award - sponsored by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation

• 2010 EcoGuide of the Year Award of Excellence - sponsored by William Angliss Institute

• 2010 ECO Medal - sponsored by Ecotourism Australia