New South Wales’ Central Coast region has once again achieved global recognition by being selected as a finalist in the internationally recognised Green Destinations Story Awards for 2024. The Central Coast took out first place for the Destination Management category in these global Awards in 2023!

This year, the finalist story selected by Green Destinations official judges is in the ‘Nature & Scenery’ category, titled ‘Waterways and Wildlife: Good turns to balance conservation and visitation’.

The story celebrates Central Coast Council’s achievement of being recognised by NSW government agencies as delivering the most successful Little Tern breeding program, which saw The North Entrance Karagi Point producing the highest number of fledglings over the last four breeding seasons.

It also celebrates the relaunch of The Entrance’s ‘Pelican Time’, which now brings an eco-friendly pelican educational experience to the Central Coast’s much-loved holiday destination, in partnership with local marine wildlife experts.

Council’s Acting Community and Recreation Services Director, Phil Cantillon, emphasised the importance of the pride international recognition it brings to the Central Coast community.

“This acknowledgment highlights the exceptional collaboration from our Destination and Environmental Management teams and underscores the Central Coast’s place as a leader in sustainable tourism. The community should be incredibly proud,” Mr. Cantillon said.

“For the past four years, the NSW Central Coast has consistently featured in the Green Destinations Top 100 List, demonstrating the region’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.”

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories is an annual competition that collects and celebrates initiatives from Destinations globally, inspiring responsible tourism leadership.

Every year, Green Destinations’ jury of experts selects the most excellent stories from the Top 100 list to be nominated for the Green Destinations Story Awards, celebrated at ITB Berlin.

In addition to the category awards nomination, the submission will compete for the People’s Choice Award. Voting opens on January 13, 2025, and closes on January 24, 2025.

Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna highlighted the significance of being recognised on the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories List and nomination for the Green Destination Story Awards for 2024.

“Being featured on such a respected international platform brings great pride to the Central Coast. This recognition not only enhances our reputation but also strengthens the region's economy and tourism sector,” Mayor McKinna said.

“We encourage the community to vote for our local story to showcase what makes our region so special.”

About Green Destinations Top 100 

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories has run annually since 2014, celebrating and promoting 100 destinations as inspiring examples for other destinations, tour operators and visitors. Good Practice Stories selected to the annual Top 100 list combines good practice elements with the power of storytelling.

The Green Destinations Top 100 List is a highly regarded global competition in sustainable tourism, celebrating innovative Good Practice Stories from destinations worldwide to inspire both tourism professionals and travellers.

Participating destinations also have to self-report on the Green Destinations Core Criteria, showing their compliance with the basics of sustainability performance, which provides a unique opportunity for a first step towards sustainability recognition.

Green Destinations is a Netherlands-based organisation working on the assessment, capacity building and certification of destinations and businesses committed to sustainable tourism across the globe. The competition is held under the auspices of the Top 100 Partnership, with special contributions by: Green Destinations, QualityCoast, ITB Berlin, Asian Ecotourism Network, Ecotourism Australia, DEL Turismo, Slovenia Green, Global Ecotourism Network and the Future of Tourism Coalition.

Image credit: Luke Ullrich