The Great Barrier Reef – A Tourism Story
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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and Queensland’s greatest natural tourism advantage attracting more than 3 million visitors per year.
Tourism to the Great Barrier Reef is a major economic driver for coastal communities along the reef. The tourism industry contributes $5.7 billion to the Australian economy and supports 64,000 jobs. Tourism dollars make an important contribution towards reef protection and management with anyone who visits the Reef with a commercial operator contributes $6.50 a day through the Environmental Management Charge which is used to manage the Reef sustainably. Queensland’s tourism operators play an important role in preserving and presenting the Great Barrier Reef’s story to visitors. The industry plays a vital role in protecting the reef by actively participating in programs run by key stakeholders to monitor reef health and build resilience.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is the Commonwealth agency charged with managing the protection and sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area. The GBRMPA is the official Government source of management and scientific information on the Great Barrier Reef and works in partnership with stakeholders to deliver the High Standard Tourism Program, Reef Guardian School Program and Eye on the Reef Program.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is the managing body of Queensland’s national parks. QPWS and the GBRMPA operate a joint Field Management Program that protects and maintains well-functioning marine and island ecosystems that support economic, traditional Indigenous owner and tourism recreational uses of the Great Barrier Reef.
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef is a global, social-purpose community empowering current and future generations of the world with the opportunity to protect and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef is a global, social-purpose community empowering current and future generations of the world with the opportunity to protect and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia is the national body for the ecotourism industry, inspiring environmentally sustainable and culturally responsible tourism. Ecotourism Australia administers an Eco Certification Program, EcoGuide Certification Program, and in partnership with the GBRMPA, the High Standard Tourism Program.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation
The primary role of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation is to fund vital research to protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.
Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators
Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) is the peak industry body for marine tourism within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It works closely with the GBRMPA to continually monitor and improve management of the reef.
Eye on the Reef
The tourism industry and visitors play a vital role in monitoring reef health and marine wildlife sightings. Visitors and Operators can help through the Eye on the Reef program which includes an app that can be downloaded to record and relay observations, including photos back to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Preserve the Wonder
Preserve the Wonder is a new Great Barrier Reef digital story campaign to let Queenslanders know about the important actions of many stakeholders to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
How To Get Involved
The following are some key tips to share with your clients and consumers:
- Travellers and operators are encouraged to share their experiences through hash-tagging Instagram pictures with #thisisqueensland and include @Australia @Queensland in Twitter posts.
- Download the Eye on the Reef app which provides up to date observations on the health of the reef.
- Use a high standard commercial tourism operator who has EcoTourism Australia or EarthCheck certification.
- Visit the official source of scientific information and facts on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Join the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef which aims to unite people from around the world to learn about and care about the Reef.
Resources
Queensland Blog
Hello Sunshine is Tourism and Events Queensland’s official consumer travel blog written for potential travellers by writers who know the state and are passionate about Queensland.
Queensland Media Centre
The TEQ Queensland Media Centre pulls together a range of Great Barrier Reef media resources including fact sheets, copyright free stories, images and footage, which are available for use in promoting Queensland and generating media content.
Queensland Visual Gallery
Search through Tourism and Events Queensland's ultimate collection of high resolution images and footage. The Queensland Visual Gallery includes a selection of images showcasing the diversity and splendor of the Great Barrier Reef. Images are available to travel and tourism industry professionals, media and anyone seeking professional images for use in the positive promotion of Queensland.
Useful Links
- The Great Barrier Reef: A Tourism Story
- Great Barrier Reef Assets Manual
- In Search of Queensland's Great Eight
- 101 Ways to do the Great Barrier Reef
- The Secret Side of the Great Barrier Reef
- Great Barrier Reef Facts Video
- Plan a Queensland Holiday and Experience the Great Barrier Reef
- The Great Barrier Reef: Why it's the Best Managed Reef in the World