The important elements involved in the delivery of quality ecotourism experiences and their relationship with each other, are discussed (based on the experience in Australia). These 4 criteria are identified as: benchmarking; accreditation; best practice; and auditing. The use quality processes for the enhancement of service delivery, business viability and environmental sustainability, is also examined. The key issues, which affect the ecotourism sector and the successful implementation of any programmes related to the four criteria, are discussed. The key issues include: the cost of delivering programmes; the need to offer tangible inducements; the need to provide impartial standards; the potential benefits of codes of conduct; the potential weakness of codes of conduct; and the role of the consumer in improving performance. It is suggested that the ecotourism sector needs to demonstrate a greater commitment to the continuous raising of standards for the maintenance of its marketing advantage as a sector which achieves sustainability and offers high-quality products.

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