The 2011 Global ECO Conference will be held from 7-10 November 2011 in Sydney as a major boost for New South Wale's nature-based and sustainable tourism industry. Supported by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ecotourism Australia expects about 400 conference delegates will have the chance to enjoy Sydney's Urban ECO tourism experiences.

"Sydney Harbour provides many well known and some less well know ecotourism experiences," Ms Kym Cheatham, CEO of Ecotourism Australia said."It will provide the perfect backdrop for an amazing program which will examine best practice across ecotourism, sustainability, Indigenous tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, tourism in protected areas and climate change response."

"This conference will also coincide with World Responsible Tourism Day on 9 November 2011 which will be part of the great celebration planned for Ecotourism Australia's 20th Birthday", Ms Cheatham said.

Through the Global ECO Asia Pacific conference, Ecotourism Australia aims to bring together sectors that have a direct and indirect role in delivering sustainable tourism and ecotourism and therefore provide delegates with an excellent opportunity to examine and debate emerging issues and opportunities, review current best practices and collectively take a forward perspective on the industry.

"Tourism Australia recently released research that showed Nature in Australia was one of the most motivating experiences for international travellers across all of Australia's main target markets, ranking as most appealing, exciting and relevant", Ms Cheatham said. "The Global ECO Conference helps New South Wales to showcase its ecotourism credentials and tap into this major motivation to visit Australia."

The 2011 Global Eco Conference will be hosted by Ecotourism Australia, the peak national body for the ecotourism industry. This not-for-profit organisation aims to grow and promote ecotourism and to assist tourism operators to become environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially and culturally responsible.

For more information contact:

Kym Cheatham, Chief Executive Officer,

Ecotourism Australia

E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , M: 0427 279 414 www.ecotourism.org.au