Nature Parks tourism excellence

The ability of Phillip Island Nature Parks to combine first-class ecotourism with successful conservation has been recognised at last week’s Victorian Tourism Awards.

Nature Parks received silver in the Ecotourism Category at the prestigious Victorian Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony in December.

The awards, organised by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, acknowledge tourism excellence and outstanding innovation within the sector.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Chief Executive Officer Catherine Basterfield said she was incredibly proud of the passionate and dedicated Nature Parks team who had worked hard to show that ecotourism and conservation could co-exist.

“This recognises the tireless efforts of the entire Nature Parks team who strive day-in-day-out to showcase the wonders of Phillip Island while carefully managing environmental and wildlife conservation,” Ms Basterfield said.

“At Phillip Island Nature Parks, we are proud to celebrate our unique high volume, high engagement visitation model that delivers benefits to both the environment and nature-loving humans.

“Through our dedicated work, which has been funded by tourism, Nature Parks has proven that it is possible to reverse the harmful effects of human impact through a carefully managed ecotourism experience and conservation,” she said.

“For example, the island’s Little Penguin population has regenerated over the last 40 years. This year, Phillip Island’s commitment to conservation and nature-based tourism was also honoured with entry to the Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame for 20 years of continuous eco-certification.

“In the past year alone, we have seen incredible results, including a Penguin Parade record on October 22 when 5440 Little Penguins crossed the beach, the improved conservation status of the Eastern-Barred Bandicoot from ‘extinct in the wild’ to ‘endangered’; and strong participation in our online SealSpotter ‘citizen science’ challenge.

“By engaging families, children and educating visitors, we are helping to create the next generation of eco-enthusiasts.”

The 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards recognised winners in 28 business and three individual categories.

“As finalists, we are in great company with other leading eco-tourism operators across Victoria.

“We are honoured to receive this silver award, particularly given the high calibre of the other finalists and the wonderful work they do,” Ms Basterfield said.

Alpine Nature Experiences took out the top prize in this category, and Wildlife Wonders Apollo Bay received bronze.