Our beautiful Central Coast region has won first place in the global Green Destinations Story Awards at the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin! 

ITB Berlin is a peak body in the international tourism industry, and these annual awards are presented to the most inspiring sustainable tourism initiatives submitted across six categories. The Central Coast, which is the only Australian certified ECO destination recognised at these awards, received the top accolade in the Destination Management category.

This incredible international recognition represents the undeniable progress Council has made through growing our ecotourism destination since 2021.

Taking home this award is testament not only to Council’s ability to lead tourism management for the region, but to the commitment from our local industry who are taking up the mantle and leading with sustainability in their tourism offerings. 

This win is a huge testament to Council’s support and investment in the tourism sector on the Central Coast, which is being reflected in visitor numbers. For the year ending June 2023 in comparison to June 2022, total domestic visitor numbers have increased by 52.3% with 5,946,000 domestic visitors to the Central Coast.

Council’s destination marketing and management initiatives have also resulted in winning accolades and major awards over the last few years, including this current global win, but equally significantly, Council’s support has also helped grow local business, economic growth and jobs in the sector.

I want to sincerely congratulate everyone involved in helping achieve this outstanding global award – the Coast really is leading the way for sustainable tourism on a global scale!

Rik Hart, Administrator

Visit the Central Coast’s dedicated destination website to find out more:  https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/news/central-coast-global-green-award