YHA are celebrating a significant achievement in sustainability with three of their properties attaining Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia. YHA Sydney Harbour, YHA Port Elliot Beach House and YHA Adelaide Central have each demonstrated their strong commitment to environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles by implementing global best-practice sustainable tourism standards to become certified.

"Achieving Ecotourism Australia's Sustainable Tourism Certification underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and community support. This certification not only differentiates us in a competitive market but also enhances our operational efficiency.

By adopting sustainable practices, we are proud to offer eco-conscious travellers a responsible and enriching stay, while contributing positively to local economies and cultural preservation. Our inclusion in the Green Travel Guide further amplifies our visibility and reputation as a leader in sustainable accommodation. Our partnership with Ecotourism Australia is a win-win situation with sustainable travel the big winner.” says Paul McGrath, CEO of YHA Australia.

Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan praised YHA for their exceptional commitment to sustainability.

“Congratulations to YHA Sydney Harbour, YHA Port Elliot Beach House and YHA Adelaide Central for achieving Sustainable Tourism Certification. Each property has truly embraced the principles of sustainability and shown real leadership in reducing their environmental footprint and creating positive social impact. We look forward to continuing to support YHA as they aim to certify all 19 of their owned and operated properties in the next 12 months.”

YHA properties showcase their commitment to sustainable tourism through a range of unique and meaningful initiatives. At YHA Sydney Harbour, The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre provides school children with hands-on learning opportunities about Australia’s largest urban archaeological site. YHA Adelaide Central runs Feel Good Fridays, where pancakes are served for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting the Hutt Street Centre to aid Adelaide’s homeless community.

Meanwhile, YHA Port Elliot participates annually in Earth Hour and Clean Up Australia Day, and even have their own vegetable garden and on-site compost.

Research by UK-based consulting firm Bureau Veritas found that hostel-style accommodation is 82 per cent less carbon intense per bed than hotels. While shared spaces like kitchens and co-living rooms already reduce overall energy use, YHA goes a step further with many properties using solar power and rainwater tanks.

Properties that obtain Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia are now able to add their certification to major online booking platforms, in recognition of the certification meeting global best-practice standards.

Achieving certification is a rigorous process, involving over 200 key criteria across the four pillars of sustainability and strong business practices. To achieve global best-practice Sustainable Tourism Certification, it can take up to twelve months and includes an independent third-party audit before certification is awarded. Accommodation providers must demonstrate ongoing commitment, with periodic independent audits required to maintain certification.

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