The Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie-Hastings in New South Wales, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Scenic Rim in south-east Queensland will benefit from the partnership and begin their journey to become certified Eco Destinations.

Each destination will be supported by WWF-Australia with a two-year $30,000 package that covers all costs to progress through Ecotourism Australia's Eco Destination program.

Ecotourism Australia's chief executive Rod Hillman said he was delighted to have the six new destinations join the program.

"We are working hard to support our tourism industry that has been hit hard in 2020 by bushfires and COVID and can see tangible benefits for regional tourism through this funding program," he said.

With the demand for sustainable travel experiences growing worldwide, Mr Hillman said the Eco Destination Certification program assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences within the region.

WWF-Australia's CEO Dermot O'Gorman said the partnership would help to restore the local economies in bushfire-affected destinations.

"The devastating double blow of the fires and pandemic has left many communities that depend on tourism hurting like never before. This partnership will help Australia's nature-based tourism sector get back on its feet and support tourism activities that are good for both people and the environment," he said.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.