Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks are on top of the world, having achieved the coveted "Advanced Ecotourism Certification". This accreditation is the highest standard of ecotourism recognition worldwide.

Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks owner Steve Rowland said the Australian Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program was recently adopted as the worldwide standard for Ecotourism, now referred to as the International Ecotourism Standard.

"Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks is the first business on the island and within the North Queensland region to gain this high level of recognition for the tours we operate," Mr Rowland said.

"I was quite surprised to learn I had been accredited with what is now the highest level of ecotourism accreditation in the world," he said.

Townsville Enterprise Tourism Manager Amanda Fraser said accreditation of this level was certainly a coup for tourism in North Queensland.

"At our recent international sales mission, ecotourism stood out as a major growth area in the youth market and this accreditation will only enhance the visitor experience so many visitors to the Island enjoy," Ms Fraser said.

"Much hard work goes into gaining Ecotourism accreditation and we congratulate Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks on the recognition they have received," Ms Fraser concluded.