The Northern Rivers Rail Trail in Tweed Shire has officially earned accreditation as a sustainable tourism business under the Australian Tourism Industry Council’s (ATIC) Quality Tourism Framework (QTF). This recognition highlights the trail’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices and marks a significant milestone for the region’s tourism efforts.
The accreditation, granted by the NSW Tourism Association on behalf of ATIC, positions the Northern Rivers Rail Trail as a leader in sustainable tourism within the region. It also sets a new standard for tourism businesses in regional New South Wales (NSW). The program is the longest-running and largest sustainability certification initiative in the Australian tourism industry.
A New Benchmark for Regional Tourism
With more than 3,000 businesses nationwide participating in the program, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail now stands among a select group of tourism destinations committed to integrating sustainability into all areas of their operations. The accreditation recognizes environmental, cultural, social, and commercial best practices, which ensure a well-rounded, responsible approach to tourism development.
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry expressed his excitement over the achievement, emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism practices for the region.
“This accreditation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism while supporting a thriving local economy,” said Mayor Cherry. “It highlights the hard work and dedication that has gone into developing the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and ensuring it meets the highest environmental and business standards.”
Mayor Cherry also noted that the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is the first Council-managed tourism product in the region to receive this prestigious accreditation. The success of the trail aligns with Tweed Shire Council’s broader Destination Management Plan (DMP), which focuses on sustainable tourism and responsible destination management.
“We hope this achievement inspires other regional initiatives to strive for similar recognition, showing that sustainable tourism can go hand in hand with economic success,” said the Mayor.
Quality Tourism Brandmark
As part of the accreditation, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will proudly display the Quality Tourism Brandmark (QTB) across its promotional materials. This will signal the trail’s commitment to providing sustainable, high-quality tourism experiences for visitors and will help enhance the destination’s reputation both locally and internationally.
Additionally, Tweed Shire Council will continue to work closely with ATIC and undergo regular on-site assessments by expert inspectors to ensure that the Rail Trail remains in compliance with the sustainability standards set by the QTF program.
Accreditation at Two Levels
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has successfully met the criteria for the QTF accreditation at two levels:
Quality Tourism Essentials
This foundational level provides businesses with the necessary tools and resources to build consistent, sustainable practices. By achieving this standard, businesses gain customer trust and confidence while enhancing their long-term sustainability.
Sustainable Tourism
This more advanced level focuses on creating engaging, high-quality visitor experiences that align with global tourism trends. By meeting the requirements of this standard, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is ensuring that it offers memorable experiences for visitors while preserving the natural environment.
The sustainable tourism program emphasizes that tourism experiences should not only be enjoyable but also have a positive impact on the local community and ecosystem. By achieving this recognition, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has demonstrated its ability to balance tourism growth with environmental responsibility and social equity.
Impact on Local Economy and Environment
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail’s success in earning this prestigious accreditation also provides a significant boost to the local tourism economy. Visitors will continue to be drawn to the area’s natural beauty, and local businesses will benefit from the increased foot traffic and visibility. At the same time, the commitment to sustainability ensures that the region’s environment remains protected, supporting both present and future generations.
Conclusion
the Northern Rivers Rail Trail’s achievement in earning the Quality Tourism accreditation reflects a growing trend of sustainable tourism in regional Australia. By setting an example of how to implement responsible tourism practices while offering engaging, memorable experiences, the trail is helping shape the future of travel in the Northern Rivers region and beyond.
Related topics：
