Queensland Ecotourism Plan

2015–2020
Draft for consultation
 Nightfall Wilderness Camp luxury tent
Photo: © Nightfall Wilderness Camp

Prepared by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,

Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing.

©State of Queensland, 2015.

The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this
publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY) licence.

Under this licence you are free, without having to seek our permission, to use this publication in accordance with the licence terms.

You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland as the source of the publication.

For more information on this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en

If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
on 131 450 and ask then to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3170 5470.

This publication can be made available in an alternative format

(e.g. large print or audiotape) on request for people with vision
impairment; phone +61 7 3170 5470 or email library@ehp.qld.gov.au.

Bp2128. October 2015

Front cover image: Heron Island Resort, Southern Great Barrier Reef. Photo © Toursim & Events Queensland.
Draft
Foreword
There is no doubt that Queensland’s incredible natural wonders are among our greatest tourism drawcards.

World class national parks and marine parks, World Heritage areas and diverse landscapes and wildlife give Queensland tourism
a competitive advantage.

The Queensland Government is committed to creating more opportunities to showcase Queensland’s natural beauty while
preserving these natural assets for future generations.

Conservation and tourism do not have to be at odds. We have a vision for ecotourism that brings people into contact with nature,
not conflict with nature.

We will grow our $23 billion tourism industry and ecotourism can help drive this growth.

The Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020 will help build a thriving ecotourism industry and deliver new ecotourism experiences.
It will foster ecotourism opportunities that support sustainable growth, protect the environment and strengthen the economy.

The Government along with the tourism industry, Traditional Owners, conservation and research sectors and the community must
work together to achieve these outcomes.

We welcome your feedback on this draft plan to help inform the future of ecotourism in the state.

Steven Miles MP Kate Jones MP

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Minister for Education and
and Minister for National Parks Minister for Tourism, Major Events,
and the Great Barrier Reef Small Business and the Commonwealth Games

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 1
Draft
Contents
Ministerial foreword 1

Executive summary 3

A fresh approach to ecotourism in Queensland 4

What is ecotourism 5

The value of ecotourism 5

A common ground 6

Meeting the challenges 8

Innovation and investment 8
Focus on visitor experience 8

Our vision, guiding principle and promise 9

1. Driving innovation in ecotourism experiences 10
2. Showcasing the world renowned Great Barrier Reef 10
3. Stimulating investment in new and refurbished ecotourism opportunities 11
4. Expanding authentic Indigenous ecotourism experiences 12
5. Promoting Queensland’s world-class ecotourism experiences 13

Have your say 14

Three year action plan 15

Appendix 1: Actions from Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan (LTSP) 17

Appendix 2: Key to Acronyms 18

Photo: © Mossman Gorge Centre

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 2
Draft
Executive summary
Our vision for Queensland is an internationally celebrated ecotourism destination,
ecotourism in delivering world-class experiences that support the conservation of our
Queensland special natural places and unique Indigenous and cultural heritage.

Queensland’s treasured natural and cultural assets will

Our guiding
be protected and conserved for current and future generations
principle
to enjoy.

Unforgettable ecotourism experiences that exceed our guests’

Our promise
expectations and create lasting memories of Queensland’s
to our ‘guests’
outstanding natural and cultural areas and unique wildlife.

The aim of the Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
(the plan) is to promote a fresh approach to ecotourism. At its
core is a commitment to collaboration and partnerships to
facilitate best practice ecotourism experiences that provide a
positive contribution back to Queensland’s natural areas and
cultural heritage assets, community and economy.
Five new strategic directions outline the action that is required:
1. Driving innovation in ecotourism experiences.
2. Showcasing the world renowned Great Barrier Reef.
3. Stimulating investment in new and refurbished
ecotourism opportunities.
4. Expanding authentic Indigenous ecotourism experiences.
5. Promoting Queensland’s world-class
ecotourism experiences.
A key priority is the development of tourism products that
showcase and preserve Queensland’s unique natural
landscapes, cultural heritage, wildlife and special places such
as the Great Barrier Reef. These developments will be required
to meet the highest environmental standards and industry
practices demonstrating the government’s commitment to
conserving Queensland’s natural assets. A cross-agency
approach will be vital to ensure an environment conducive
to attracting new investment.
Authentic cultural experiences present a unique prospect to
extend Queensland’s competitive advantage. Opportunities
for Indigenous ecotourism will be supported and progressed
in partnership with local Indigenous groups.
A further priority is to reach and effectively engage with
visitors in a way that inspires them to visit and spend time in
Queensland’s national and marine parks and other natural
areas. The focus will be on raising the profile of the World
Heritage areas and other special places and the smart use of
consumer-orientated technology and communication strategies.
With Queensland’s natural environment as its strongest
competitive advantage, and the concerted efforts of the
Queensland Government and tourism industry, ecotourism
will play an important role in achieving the 2020 ambition.
Photo: © Ben Blanche

Peak Trail, Girraween National Park

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 3
Draft
A fresh approach to
ecotourism in Queensland
Proudly, Queensland has nine million hectares of terrestrial
protected areas and 72,659 square kilometres of state marine
parks encompassing world-class national parks, marine
reserves, and a huge diversity of appealing landscapes—
from reef, to rainforest through to remote desert, iconic wildlife
species and unique cultural assets. These rich and diverse
landscapes and habitats are a valuable competitive advantage
for the tourism industry as experiencing nature is a primary
motivator for domestic and international visitors’ travel
to Queensland.
Today’s visitors want to explore and interact to find the hidden
gems, connect with people and nature and create lasting
memories. To attract these visitors who have the choice of many
ecotourism destinations, this plan advances a fresh approach to
ecotourism in Queensland; where the Queensland Government
and ecotourism partners together ensure visitors have special
experiences in Queensland’s special places.
This fresh approach requires the dual focus of delivering
world-class ecotourism experiences and the conservation
of Queensland’s natural and cultural assets. It also requires
collaboration between the tourism industry, Traditional
Owners, the conservation and research sectors, community and
government. By working together it will be possible to enhance
the quality of Queensland’s special places and the visitor
experiences they support.
Starfish, clownfish and anemone
Photo: Jemma Craig © Tourism & Events Queensland
Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
Draft for consultation
The Great Barrier Reef
The iconic Great Barrier Reef (the Reef)
is one of the most precious ecosystems
on Earth and a significant part of Queensland’s
identity. Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres
along the Queensland coast and covering an
area of 348,000 square kilometres, it is the
only living structure on earth visible from outer
space. One of the seven natural wonders of
the world, this majestic reef system is loved by
Australians and more than 1.9 million visitors
from across the globe who come to see it each
year. It is also critical to the cultural, economic
and social wellbeing of more than one million
people who live in its catchment.
For Traditional Owners, the first nation
peoples of the area, the Reef is a place of
great significance. They maintain a unique and
continuing connection to the Reef and adjacent
coastal areas. This connection to their land and
sea country has sustained Traditional Owners
for millennia—spiritually, culturally, socially
and economically.
Reef tourism plays a key role in shaping the
experience and opportunities for ecotourism
on the Great Barrier Reef. A cross-agency
approach, working with industry, conservation
and research sectors is essential to ensure
ecotourism experiences showcase and protect
the Reef’s natural integrity and cultural values.
The recently developed Commonwealth and
Queensland Government’s Reef 2050 Long-
Term Sustainability Plan (LTSP) provides a
framework for protecting the values of the Great
Barrier Reef to ensure its future health. The LTSP
recognises the relationship between Reef health
and the viability of Reef-dependent industries
such as tourism and the ongoing economic
benefits and community wellbeing the
Reef affords.
Source: Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan
4
Draft
What is ecotourism
Ecotourism encompasses nature-based experiences
that increase visitor appreciation and understanding of
natural and cultural values. They are experiences that are
managed to ensure they are ecologically, economically and
socially sustainable, contributing to the wellbeing of the
natural areas and local communities where they operate.
Ecotourism operators are both a partner and contributor
to the conservation of Queensland’s special places,
by delivering best practice in ecotourism and visitor
experiences that encourage a life-long commitment to
caring for them.
Ecotourism Australia defines ecotourism as
“ecologically sustainable tourism with a
primary focus on experiencing natural areas
that fosters environmental and cultural
understanding, appreciation and conservation”.
Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
Draft for consultation
The value of ecotourism
Tourism is a $23 billion industry for Queensland, generating $59
million a day in visitor expenditure across the state, both directly and
indirectly employing 230,0001 Queenslanders. Ecotourism is a key
sector of the broader tourism experience in Queensland, contributing
to domestic and international visitor arrivals and expenditure.
National parks alone are a significant contributor to the Queensland
economy with research indicating that the total spend by visitors who
include a visit to a national park in their holiday itinerary contributes
$4.43 billion to the state’s economy. Further, it is estimated direct
spending by visitors that can be attributed exclusively to the existence
of the national parks amounts to over $749 million per annum,
adding around $345 million to gross state product per annum2.
Ecotourism plays an important role in rural and remote communities,
generating economic and social benefits and creating resilience
through sustainable employment opportunities and local pride.
Visitor and market interest in Indigenous culture presents an
important opportunity for employment and business development for
Indigenous Australians.
1
Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Economic Key Facts, June 2015
2
Ballantyne R, Brown R, Pegg, S, Scott N, 2008, Valuing tourism
spending arising from visitation to Queensland national parks,
CRC for Sustainable Tourism
Photo: © Mossman Gorge Centre
5
Draft
A common ground
A fresh approach demands a common ground between tourism,
government, Traditional Owners, conservation and research
sectors and reaffirming a partnership approach. As pioneers
in ecotourism, the Queensland Government, tourism industry
and community stakeholders have a long history of involvement
and collaboration in its growth and development. For many
years, Queensland was considered a leader in ecotourism with
a growing number of new and innovative visitor experiences,
and then lost its footing. Significant effort has since focused
on repositioning Queensland as Australia’s number one
ecotourism destination and a world leader in ecotourism.
Through collaboration, the tourism industry and Queensland
Government have achieved a number of positive outcomes.
These include:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) Reef decision – UNESCO’s World
Heritage Committee has recognised the government’s increased
commitment and proactive approach to protecting the Great
Barrier Reef with the recent decision not to apply the ‘World
Heritage in danger’ listing. The additional investment in new
reef management strategies and programs includes cutting-
edge projects such as the ‘eReefs Project’ that gives people real-
time information about the quality of water in the Great Barrier
Reef. These initiatives demonstrate the partnership approach
that has been taken between the government, research sectors
and industry to work together for the future of the reef.
Destination Tourism Plans: Tourism and Events Queensland
(TEQ) have worked with Queensland’s 13 Regional Tourism
Organisations (RTO) in developing their Destination Tourism
Plans (DTP). The DTPs reflect a shared vision across tourism
operators and government for sustainable and competitive
tourism destinations. Through these plans, Queensland’s RTOs
are aligning strategies, available resources, and the efforts of
industry and all levels of government toward the 2020 tourism
goals. All DTPs are available on the TEQ website.
Queensland Tourism Awards (QTA) accreditation:
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) has developed
and implemented a support model to ensure all entrants into
2016 QTA will be certified or accredited businesses. QTIC have
produced new information and updates to all Awards criteria
and coordinated communication with certification program
owners and an entrant briefing on certification by the QTA
judging team. The receipt of 207 nominations in 2014 indicates
the new criteria have not caused a reduction in nominations
from previous years. QTIC has and continues to provide
Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
Draft for consultation
guidance and advice to all non-accredited businesses on the
most relevant certification program for each business.
Skill development: QTIC continues to play a leading role in
coordinating and promoting a coherent and quality-focused
approach to skill development across all parts of the industry
including ecotourism. Active engagement with training
providers, funding agencies and industry has been critical to
all activities, including:
• providing advice to the Queensland Department of Education
and Training on skill and qualification needs and funding
priorities to achieve quality industry standards
• producing and promoting a comprehensive Careers Guide
for tourism and hospitality
• developing and disseminating a HR Best Practice Guide
for tourism employers to improve employee attraction,
recruitment and retention
• as a partner in the national Australian Tourism Accreditation
Program (ATAP), providing this business improvement
program as part of a full suite of tourism accreditation
programs, including eco-certification across Queensland
• supporting the recognition of suitable accreditation
programs in regulating access for tourism operators
to natural areas, particularly national parks
• promoting the competitive raising of industry standards
through QTA and national tourism awards, with
the ecotourism category encouraging best practice
and innovation.
National parks consumer website: The development of a
consumer website is underway by the Department of National
Parks, Sport and Racing (NPSR) with stage one featuring
34 Queensland national parks. The new, contemporary website
will become the central hub for all digital marketing activities,
providing a consumer-focused, interactive, best practice
experience across all popular devices (desktop, mobile phones
and tablets).
National parks social media: A social media strategy has been
developed to extend and improve engagement with consumers
about Queensland’s national parks and wildlife experiences.
Consumers can connect with ‘Queensland National Parks’
through Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Queensland
National Parks’ presence is ranked number one for national park
organisations in Australia for both Facebook and Instagram,
with 65,500 and 5,000 followers respectively (at July 2015).
6
Draft
Ecotourism investment: Since 2009, the Queensland
Government has been developing strategies to facilitate low
impact, sensitively designed ecotourism facilities on and
off national parks. A number of expressions of interest are
currently progressing with the first ecotourism lease issued for
the commercial management of the renamed Mamu Tropical
Skywalk. Best Practice Ecotourism Development Guidelines
have been prepared to assist ecotourism investors to develop
ecotourism facilities and experiences.
National Parks Gateway Visitor Centres rejuvenation: A key
initiative for NPSR is to revitalise a number of Queensland Parks
and Wildlife Service (QPWS) visitor centres to help maximise
their unique offerings and promote the national park estate.
Master plan reports were developed for Walkabout Creek Visitor
Centre, the Gap, Brisbane; the David Fleay Wildlife Park, Gold
Coast; and Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg. These
plans were prepared in partnership with the tourism industry,
local government and the community. QPWS is investing over
four million dollars in a range of facilities and infrastructure that
will both enable a greater appreciation of national parks and
enhance visitor experiences at the sites.
Transitioning operators to long-term agreements: For many
years industry and government have been working together
to develop an efficient, industry-focused framework for the
management of ecotourism in protected areas. As part of
this process, ecotourism operators at selected sites around
Queensland are transitioning to long-term Commercial Activity
Agreements with mandatory eco-certification conditions.
This change promotes best practice and will provide
long-term security.
Mossman Gorge Centre Indigenous activities
Photos: © Mossman Gorge Centre
Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
Draft for consultation
Award winning Indigenous
ecotourism—the Mossman
Gorge Centre
The Mossman Gorge Centre is an eco-certified
Indigenous tourism business committed to
the conservation of Mossman Gorge and
Daintree National Park. The centre’s vision
is that of the Elders of Mossman Gorge, who
wish to see visitor impacts on the natural
and cultural environment minimised while
creating employment and training for the local
Indigenous community.
Fundamental to achieving the vision is a focus
on guiding and enhancing the experience of
approximately 400,000 visitors annually to
Mossman Gorge. Visitors are offered a range
of amenities at the centre and opportunities
for authentic engagement with Indigenous
Australia. Environmentally friendly shuttle
buses operate to control access to the
gorge, reducing emissions and pollutants.
In addition, the facility has been designed
to capture, store and re-use rainfall in and
around the property.
The centre is “Respecting our Culture” certified
which acknowledges the operation respects
and reinforces Indigenous cultural heritage
and protocols. Close working relationships
with the Mossman Gorge Aboriginal
Community and other Indigenous stakeholders
ensure their active participation. The centre
employs over 90% local Yalanji workers and
since opening has hosted and trained more
than 60 nationally accredited Indigenous
trainee students in hospitality and cookery.
The Mossman Gorge Centre is a recognised
leader in sustainable Indigenous tourism,
achieving many awards for excellence and
innovation, including in the 2014 Queensland
Tourism Awards and the 2014 Australian
Tourism Awards.
7
Draft
Meeting the challenges
Innovation and investment
Navigating the regulatory and planning
system: Multiple tenure types, multi –
jurisdictional approval processes and native
title requirements can create additional
complexity and cost.
Higher start-up and operational costs:
The development of high quality Australian
ecotourism opportunities is more expensive
relative to countries with little or no human or
environmental resource management policies.
Focus on visitor experience
Competitive positioning: Competition for
the ecotourism dollar is very intense, both
domestically and internationally.
Attracting high yielding visitors: In a globally
competitive tourism market, Australia has to
offer value-for-money visitor experiences as it
cannot compete on price alone.
Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
Draft for consultation
Support investors: Collaborate with private investors to provide the right
opportunity, right information, right advice and targeted support to develop
the right ecotourism product for the market and the location.
Foster strong partnerships with Traditional Owners: Identify and progress
new opportunities to expand Indigenous involvement in ecotourism.
Improve investment models: Work with the investment community and the
tourism industry to identify ecotourism investment opportunities, ensure
projects are ‘investor ready’ to attract private investors, and assist investors
to meet the necessary project standards. Provide support for potential
investors by connecting them with the right areas of government as potential
commercial partners.
Prioritise development of ecotourism opportunities and investment on
private and other state lands (off national park): Work with the tourism
industry to investigate and identify viable ecotourism projects on tenure
other than the protected area estate.
Foster innovation and excellence in ecotourism on national
parks: Continue to facilitate low impact best practice private ecotourism
investment opportunities in suitable locations within protected areas.
Prioritise innovation in regional ecotourism opportunities: Work with
the industry to ensure new projects align with Destination Tourism Plans,
include innovative product development and embrace technology and digital
strategies to attract new markets.
Develop emerging markets in ecotourism: Leverage Queensland’s position to
develop new markets, host appropriate high profile events, and capitalise on
emerging markets such as drive and cycle tourism.
Expand and improve visitor experiences and tourism products: Work with the
tourism industry to enhance the visitor experience and opportunities, product
development and marketing.
Unique product offering: The Great Barrier Reef is world renowned and
unique to Queensland and should be highlighted as a natural competitive
advantage to other coastal and reef destinations.
Great Barrier Reef Opportunities: Facilitate investment in tourism products
that showcase the Reef and address issues with existing unoccupied
island resorts.
Indigenous ecotourism: Showcase the oldest living cultural history in the
world by progressing opportunities for ecotourism in partnership with local
Indigenous groups and relevant agencies.
8
Draft
Our vision, guiding principle
and promise
Our vision for ecotourism in Queensland is:
Queensland is an internationally celebrated ecotourism
destination, delivering world-class experiences that support
the conservation of our special natural places and unique
Indigenous and cultural heritage.

Underpinning this vision is the guiding principle:

Queensland’s treasured natural and cultural assets will be
protected and conserved for current and future generations
to enjoy.

The guiding principle acknowledges that a healthy environment

is fundamental to a healthy ecotourism industry. Queensland’s
natural heritage including our national parks, marine parks and
World Heritage areas play a central role for ecotourism. They are
some of the most highly protected areas in the state and the
development of ecotourism experiences must achieve the right
balance between the conservation of natural and cultural values
and the aspirations of the tourism industry.

In the pursuit of the vision and in response to the guiding

principle, the tourism industry, government and community
stakeholders have made a promise to ecotourism ‘guests’:

Unforgettable ecotourism experiences that exceed our guests’

expectations and create lasting memories of Queensland’s
outstanding natural and cultural areas and unique wildlife.

This promise embodies how we want ecotourism visitors as our

‘guests’ to feel and seeks to capture the essence of Queensland
as an ecotourism destination.

Five new strategic directions outline the action required by the

tourism industry, government and community stakeholders to
achieve the vision and deliver this promise:

1. Driving innovation in ecotourism experiences.

2. Showcasing the world renowned Great Barrier Reef.

3. Stimulating investment in new and refurbished

ecotourism opportunities.

4. Expanding authentic Indigenous ecotourism experiences.

5. Promoting Queensland’s world-class

ecotourism experiences.

Cassowary
Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 9
Draft
1. Driving innovation
nnovation in
sm experiences
ecotourism
Investment supporting
Through the commitment
ommitment and passion of tourism
m opera
operators,
ators,
best practice ecotourism—
roducts showcase and help to cconserve
ecotourism products on
nse
erve
rvv
Queensland’ss unique natural landscapes, cultu
ural heritage
cultural
Nightfall Wilderness Camp
n support of operators, a
and wildlife. In t en
tt ntion
attentionn will be given
giv
ivven to
o Nightfall Wilderness Camp is a low impact,
nnovation and providing
encouraging innovation providi
ding guidance
di guida
dan
dance in devellop
opin
ing
in
developingg environmentally sustainable ecotourism
new products and achieving excellence
exc
xcellence
e iin
n int
terp
errpretat
a ion and
at
interpretation
experience adjacent to Christmas Creek and
elivery. Such initiatives
experience delivery. in
nitiati
tive
ti es will
will grow in
ndustry capacity
industry
Queensland’s Lamington National Park section
Queensland
nd
d’ss rep
and enhance Queensland’s put
utat
attion
reputationn as
a aworld-class
world-class
of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area
estination.
ecotourism destination.
in the Gold Coast hinterland. This award winning
1.1 Facilitate experie
ience
ie
e
experience developm
ment pr
development p ograms that en
og
programs enh
hance
e
enhance ecotourism facility demonstrates the success of
stry’s capacity
the industry’s ca
apacity to deliv
iver w
iv
deliver orrld-class ec
world-class cotourissm
ecotourism
encouraging private investment in ecotourism
perience
es.
visitor experiences.
ventures adjacent to national parks.
1.2 Provide a range of exp
xp
perie
enc
nce
ed
experience evelopm
ment
development
tools for indu
d st
s ryy to
industry o fu
urth
her enhance
further en eecotourism
cotourism
sm
m The Queensland Government (through the
ce
e delivery.
experience delliv
i er
e y. Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small
1.3 Foster a cu
ultu
ure o
culture off q ualitty eecotourism
quality cotourism int
nter
nterrprettat
a io
interpretationon an
andd Business and the Commonwealth Games) provided
n th
ng
storytelling hat seekss to
that oe nhance opera
enhance rato
ra or capabilities
operator capa
capa
abi
b lliitiies around $20,000 in funding to the Nightfall
ene
efit off their business
for the benefi bussiness and prod
ducct de
product eli
live
ery.
ry
delivery.
Wilderness Camp project as part of the 2010
1.4 Develop an eve
entts framew
events work to foster
framework fosste
t r appr
ap
pprop
opriate
e
appropriate
Tourism Projects Prefeasibility Grants Program.
events in na
ati
t onall parks tthat
national hat prov
vide ne
provide ew an
new nd e
and nhancced
enhanced
The proponent leveraged this grant to secure a
pe
erien
en
nce
es, support
visitor experiences, sup
pport conservation
consservvat
a io
on of natt
ational
national
$100,000 T-QUAL federal grant and contributed
eliive
er economi
parks, deliver ic benefits and e
economic nccou
urage
encourage
private capital to construct three luxury tents.
regional vis
sittation.
visitation.
1.5 Promote cert
rtifi
rti cat
certifi atio
ati n programs
cation programss that
tha
at support
su
upportt a ra
rang
ng
nge
ge
range
The operation focuses on preserving and
m activ
of tourism i ittie
es an
activities nd provide multiple
and mult
ltip
i le
ip e eentry
ntry
ntry po ntts
oi
points
enhancing the environmental and cultural
try
ry wit
for industry th a view
with vi w to promoting be
est pract
best ctice an
ct
practice a d
and
values of the area while sharing with guests the
sus
u ta
ust in
nab
ble
e certi
ensuring sustainable t fication programs.
certifi progra
ams.
natural beauty, cultural history and high quality
1.6 Progress best p
prracctice
practice,e, low
w im
impact ecotou
urism
ecotourism
encounters with nature.
nt oppor
investment orrtu
t nitie
es.
opportunities.
e the uptak
1.7 Accelerate ke o
uptake off ccertifi
e tiifi
er fica
cati
ca tiion among
cation
As a carbon-neutral facility, environmental
sm businesses
ecotourism busin
in
nesse
s sa
se nd support
and supp
ppor
pporrt a database
e
practices include on-site wastewater treatment
ited businesses.
of accredited
and waste minimisation through reduction, re-use,
ke an evaluation
1.8 Undertake evaluat
ation of the
at the outcomes
outco
omes and
recycling and recovery with composting. A 5KW
ness of certification
effectiveness n programs
pro
rogr
gram
amss on
am n
grid-connect solar power system generates the
sm product
ecotourism ts.
products.
camp’s electricity. Local bio-sequestration tree
plantings are planned to offset the camp’s residual
carbon footprint. Conservation also extends to
the restoration and rehabilitation of damaged
parts of Nightfall’s 257 acre site and monitoring
of Christmas Creek and protected species.

An exemplar of environmentally sustainable

tourism, Nightfall Wilderness Camp is soon to
be internationally recognised with Advanced Eco
Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia.
Nightfall Wilderness Camp luxury tent
Photo: © Nightfall Wilderness Camp

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 10
Draft
2. Showcasing the world renowned
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef and its islands are an iconic part
of the Queensland tourism industry and a significant
contributor to the economy. In a highly competitive
market where reef destinations around the world vie
for visitors, Queensland tourism operators are a key
partner in showcasing, protecting and managing the Reef.
Innovation and investment in new reef tourism experiences
and infrastructure that capitalise on the Great Barrier Reef’s
unique selling points will be vital to increase visitation and
reinvigorate the established Queensland Great Barrier Reef
tourism industry.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have outlined
their commitment in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability
Plan (LTSP) to protect the Reef’s values, health and resilience
while allowing ecologically sustainable development and
use. UNESCO has recognised the recent work undertaken
by the Queensland Government to address concerns and
protect the Reef. This global attention has generated
unprecedented cooperation and investment by government,
industry and research sectors to develop and implement
the LTSP for management of the Great Barrier Reef ensuring
it remains a global icon into the future. When considering
Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
Draft for consultation
potential for reinvigorating reef island tourist resorts, the
Queensland Government will develop a strategy to attract
investment in existing aged or unoccupied facilities.
2.1 Develop a Great Barrier Reef Islands Strategy focused on
creating world leading island visitor experiences that are
commercially and environmentally sustainable.
2.2 Implement the ecotourism actions identified in the Reef
2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan.
2.3 Implement the Tourism and Events Queensland Great Barrier
Reef Tourism Strategy (2015–2018).
2.4 Leverage Tourism Australia’s Coastal and Aquatic campaign
including the David Attenborough Great Barrier Reef
television series.
2.5 Provide accurate information to the public on the health of
the Great Barrier Reef and progress on the range of initiatives
to reduce key threats such as catchment runoff and crown of
thorns starfish.
2.6 Engage with industry and key Great Barrier Reef
stakeholders, such as the Tourism Reef Advisory
Committee (TRAC), in the consultation process for
new ecotourism opportunities.
2.7 Actively engage in leveraging research opportunities through
the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) and other
science and research organisations.
Lady Musgrave Island
Photo: © Tourism & Events Queensland
11
Draft
3. Stimulating
Stimu ulating inv
investment
vestment iin
n new and
reffurbished e
refurbished cotourism opportunities
ecotourism opporrtunitiess
TToo sup
support
pport a thrthriving
riivving
in
ng eecotourism
cotou uri
rism industry,
ind
ndus
nd ustry, low impact,
us Saving the Reef from crown
sustainable
suststai
stainable
aii eeexperiences
xperiences ar are
a e required that reflect the of thorns starfish outbreaks
Queensla
Queensland and Government’ss conservation responsibilities, s,
arre co
are onstruc uctted and operated
uc
constructed operrata ed to the e highest
highest environmental
envi
vironm mene ta al In a concerted effort to minimise coral loss
sstandards
st
ta
andad rds
rd anand industry practices
practices,ess, and pr
prov
rov
ovid
provideide
id
d a pop siti
si t ve
positive on the Great Barrier Reef, the Crown-of-thorns
contribution
ontribution back to tthe
co he conservation
conservvattio i n of natural
nattural areas
are as and
reas and starfish management program, led by the
the community. There Theh ree are
areeo ppor
pp orrtunities a
ort
opportunities vailable for p
available rivatelyy
privately
Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators
ecotourism
owned ecotou ourrism
ou sm experiences
exp
xp ie
xperieiences o on
n and d off
off protected
proteccte
t d areas.
(AMPTO), has culled more than 370,000 crown
When considering
considedering investment
de inv
nves
estm
es tm
men national
nt in nat tio nal parks,
ona paarks, preference
pre
refe
fere
renc
nce e
of thorns starfish (COTS), predominately from
should db bee given
giveen to t previously
previou usl disturbed
slyy di
d stur
sturbe
ur beed sites
siites
te (brownfield
es (b
tourism sites, over the last two years. While
sites)
site rather
es) rathe er than n intact
int a t natural
ntac
ac naatu
tura
r l area
ra areas (greenfi
greenfield sites)
as (gr
(g sites).).
COTS are a native species, their outbreaks
To facilitate
o facilititat
itate
at investment,
e in
nvestme ent the
nt,, th
he QQueensland
uee ens Government
nsland Gover errnm
n ent is
are a significant cause of coral loss alongside
committed
comm t d to
mittte o assisting
assissti n prospective
ting prosps ective investors
sp investors iin navigating
n naaviigating
cyclones and coral bleaching and the only
multiple tenur tenures,
ures
ur ess, rregulatory
egu
g laato approvals
tory apppprrovals and bes
pp best
st practice
factor that can be directly controlled.
sustainability
su
ustainabiliity ty rrequirements.
e ui
eq uirrem
ments.
3.1
1 Develop
De evelo
lop
lop an
an investor
nvesstor toolkit to guide
in e prospective
prosp
sp ecttive investors
pec invves
esto
to
ors In 2012, researchers from the Australian
and/or
and/
an or proponents
d/or
d/ pro
r pone ents through government
gove
ve
ernme ent planning
pla
lann
nnin
nn ing
ing and
Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for
rregulatory
re gula
gu ato systems.
oryy sys
stems.
Coral Reef Studies developed a new innovative
3.2
2 Attract
3.2 tracct and
Atttr nd facilitate
an fa e private
riivate investment
pri inv
nvesstm
nv tmen
entt in
en island
into isl
s and
sl single-injection method that uses a bile salts
tourism
tourissm ininfrastructure.
nfra
astructure. solution to kill COTS with no adverse effects on
3.3
3 3 Develop
3. Deve op a portfolio
elo portfolio of high quality
qualit
qu i y ecotourism
it eccot
otou
ouurism investment the reef ecosystem. Australia is a world leader
projects
projec
ectts
ec located
ts locat
ated on State an
at and
nd other
othe
heer freehold
frree
free
eehoold land that in COTS control and research, sought after for
demonstrate
de
emo
m nstrrata e sstrong business
trong busines cases
ss case and
s s an
se local
nd lo
loca
cal support.
ca training, materials and advice throughout the
3.4
3.4 Implement
Im
mpllem ment the Queensland
Q eensland Eco
Qu co and
nd Sustainable
Sus
usta
tain
ta in e TTourism
nable ourism
ou Asia and Pacific regions.
policy
p oli
licy
licyy iin
n the
e Moreton
Morreton Island Recreation
Reccreatio
io Area.
on Ar
A ea..
ea
3.5
5 Implement
Im
mpl
plem
em e t best
men b st p
be practice approaches
ractice approa ach
ches andd ccertifi
nd e ti
er ccation
t fica t on
ti The success in reducing COTS numbers is
programs
prog
proggra (where
amss (wh
wh appropriate)
herre ap
appr ensure
propriate) to ensu
sure
su protection
re p rote
rotectio io
on anand
d due to a highly effective partnership between
sustainable
sust
su sta
staina
able us
use
eo off Queen
Queensland’s
nsl
s and’s special naturall ar areas.
a eas. researchers, the tourism industry, AMPTO and
the local community. Col McKenzie, Director
3.6 Ensure
En
Ensure e tourism
touri
rism
smm interests
intterres
e ts are reviews
r considered in future rre
re eviews
of AMPTO, says aside from the large spawning
of wildlife
willdl
d if
ife management
e ma ana
agemementnt regulations
regul
ulat ions and processes.
attio
numbers, one of the biggest challenges is
3.7
7 Implement
Implem men nt the
t e Queensland
th Q ee
Qu eens
n la
ns andd Eco
c and Sustainable
Eco Sustatain
ta inab
ina le Tourism
the highly mobile nature of COTS. “Finding
policy
p
po att Dain
licy a Daintree
in
ntree National
tree Nattio
iona
n l Pa
na Park
P nd iin
rk and n the
the Cooloola
C olloolla
Co
the aggregations is difficult and we rely on
Recreation
Rec eatiion Area.
ecr Area.
the tourism industry, Queensland Parks and
Wildlife Service and the public to tell us where
they have seen them.”

Visitors to the Reef can expect to experience

coral in good condition across the majority
of tourism sites where the culling program
has successfully controlled starfish numbers.
The Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan
includes measures to reduce nitrogen run off
and improve the quality of water entering the
Reef over the longer term, further supporting
efforts to minimise COTS.

S
Source: www.diveplanit.com/2015/02/
di l it /2015/02/
Crown of thorns starfish eradication fight-crown-thorns-seastar/
Photo: © Gempearl

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 12
Draft
4. Expanding
ing authentic Indige
Indigenous
eno
ouss
rism experiencess
ecotourism
Blending Indigenous perspectives
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Islan
a der cultures
an cult
lttures
es are
are complex
compl
plex
pl
with contemporary camping
and diverse.
e. The Indigenous
us cultures
Indigenou cu
ult
l ures Australia
es of Au
ustrali
stt ia are the
oldest living history
g cultural his
story in the
n th world—they
he world—th
hey go back at Straddie Camping is a small innovative Indigenous
least 50,000
0 years and
n som
nd some
me argue
arrgue closer
clo e to
oser to 65,000 years.
yearss. tourism business of the Quandamooka People of
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) that brings
Australia’s unique heritage
e Indigenous he
eri
r tage presents
ge presents the
e ancient perspectives to contemporary visitor
opportunityy for au
authentic
uthentic cultural experiences
all exp
x er
xp that
e iences tha
at experiences. The operation offers a camping experience
complement environmental
nt the en
nviiron
nme al offering
m ntal offfering and create
crreate that respects and celebrates the island’s nature, rich
a distinctive difference
e pointt off dif
i fe
iffere
ence ffrom
e fr competitors.
om com
mpetitors. Aboriginal history and the long standing tradition
Cultural heritage
rittage interpretation
age in
nte
erprreta
reta n adds de
tatiion depth ecotourism
epth to eco
cotourism
co within the Quandamooka culture of hosting visitors
experiencess and
d provides
and pro dess visitors
ovid vissitors with meaningful
mea
ani
ningfu
ul on Minjerribah.
connectionss with
witth Traditional
Tra
rad
raditio al Owners. There
onal e is
re is potential
po
pote
ote
tent
ntia
ntiall
ia
This first commercial joint venture of the Quandamooka
to develop a
additional
d itional Indi
dd Indigenous
nous tourism
digen
di m experiences
exp
xperrie
xp ienc
ncces
Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation as
that draw on
n the
the knowledge,
knowledge,, resources and
d skills
skills
shareholders, trustee and Traditional Owners, in
of Indigenous
us people,
p oplle, inclu
pe including partnerships
uding part
tne
n rsh with
hips witth
ith
partnership with Indigenous Business Australia, a
established Indigenous
d In
ndig nous operators
gen perators to
op o ma
make these
e the
ese
s a
commonwealth statutory authority, represents a new
‘must do’ component
omp
mponent of Q
mp Queensland
ueensland ecotourism
d ecot
ottou
o itinerary.
urissm itinerary
ry.
ry
era for the island’s camping grounds.
Visitors are discerning
dis
isccern
is nin about
i g ab their
ir cultural
bout thei cultu
cu experiences,
urall exp
ur periienc
n ess,
A new element of the experience is two EcoShacks at
expecting authentic
uth ntiic not
hen n t contrived
no experiences
contrived expe
pe
eri
rien
nce and
es a nd
Amity Point. They have been developed to add value
products, and
nd contemporary
co
ontem
emporrary
em ra rather than just
jus traditional
ust trad
adit
adittio
ona
nall
to the existing beachfront camping grounds, which
expressionss of
o the culture.
e cu
ultu TThe
ure. Th e Queensland Government
d Gover
rnm
nmen
en
nt is
i
offer sites for tents, camper trailers and caravans and
committed to wor
working
orkiing
or n wwith
i h Tr
it TTraditional
ad Owners
ers to
ditional Owne
ne maximise
o ma
maxi
xiimi
mi
mise 11 fully equipped cabins. The EcoShacks feature design
Indigenous ecotour
ecotourism opportunities,
rism op
pporttuni ies, including
unit
it includi
d ng butt not
di work by a Quandamooka artist, their own rainwater
limited to national parks
ational park
rk and
ks an
a jointly
d jo national
ointtly managed nationall tanks, large windows, fan cooling, and take advantage
parks. These
e opportunities
oppor
ortu
or tiiess extend
t niti exxtend beyond
d be
eyo land
y nd the lan
nd to the
e of the island breezes. Environmental best practice
involvementt of Indigenous peop
people
ple iin
op all aspects off tthe
n al he technology used for power generation and sewage
tourism industry,
ustry, for example,
exxample, as
as rangers,
r nger
ra ers,
er chefs,
s, guides, che
efs
f , treatment minimises their environmental footprint.
service stafff and artists.
A recent initiative is a contemporary interpretative
4.1 Work with existing and potential IIndigenous
n ig
ndigen
nou
ous
walk around the Amity Point camping ground bringing
ecotourism
rism productt to
to ensure
ensu
s re
su e long
long term
erm ssustainability.
g te usta
ta
ain
nability.
to life the area’s rich Aboriginal history and ancient
4.2 Collaborate members
orate with membe
be tthe
erss off th C TTourism
e QTIC ouriism
ou m stories. Using QR codes on bollards at points of
Indigenous
nous Employment Ch
Champions
ham onss Network
ampion
on Networ
orrk to interest, visitors can immerse themselves in the
encourage
age participation of Indigenous
Indig
ige ous Australians
gen Aust
Austra
ralian
ra ns living cultural landscape of Minjerribah and learn
in ecotourism
ourism products. about the Quandamooka people’s connection to the
4.3 Identifyy new Indigenous ecotourism opportunities
opportu
tu
uni
n ti
ties
e
es land and sea.
in and adjacent to Queensland’s national parks.
Straddie Camping’s pursuit of best practice has
4.4 Investigate
gate Indigenous ‘Sea Country’ ecotourism resulted in national recognition including: Advanced
opportunities
unities in particular on the Great Barrier Reef. Ecotourism, Respecting Our Culture and Climate Act
4.5 Work with the Quandamooka People and key certification; TripAdvisor Green Leader—Gold Level;
stakeholders to develop a range of ecotourism ecoBiz Three Star Business rating; and Bronze Award

opportunities on North Stradbroke Island to support in the 2014 Queensland Tourism Awards (Tourist and

local tourism and economic development. Caravan Parks).

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 13
Draft
5. Promoting Queensland’s world-class space, fresh online content, a booking engine accessible
across all popular devices and social media are essential
ecotourism experiences
to bring to life Queensland’s special natural areas and
Nature, wildlife and the special experiences they afford encourage visitors to share their memories.
are a significant element of Queensland’s visitor offering.
5.1 Deliver a streamlined and consumer-focused online
Their importance is acknowledged with the inclusion of
experience for Queensland’s protected areas including
natural encounters as a theme of Queensland’s tourism
a new booking service, social media and new
brand, Queensland, Where Australia Shines. Queensland’s
consumer website.
protected areas, including five World Heritage areas,
showcase the state’s precious natural and cultural heritage. 5.2 Partner with Tourism Australia to ensure there
Queensland Government departments will work closely is a strong Queensland presence in any future
with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) in strengthening Nature Australia initiatives.
the association with the tourism industry and promoting
5.3 Maximise the ecotourism marketing potential
nature within Brand Queensland. TEQ also has an important
of Queensland’s destinations and operators.
partnership to maintain with Tourism Australia in raising
the profile of the World Heritage areas and other special 5.4 Promote and support the Queensland Tourism

places in international visitor markets. Awards which recognise and reward the outstanding
achievements of ecotourism operators.
Appropriate events in national parks and natural areas offer
5.5 Foster a stronger focus on World Heritage Area
another opportunity for people to discover and enjoy nature
brand marketing and promotion.
and profile the National Parks brand. Within the digital

EcoShacks, Amity campgrounds

Photo: © Straddie Camping

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 14
Draft
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
Dedication to protecting the Reef—Lady Elliot
Island Eco Resort

Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay at the southern

tip of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier
Reef, situated approximately 80km north-east of
Bundaberg, between Fraser and Lady Musgrave
Islands. It’s location within a Marine National
Park ‘Green Zone’ affords the greatest level of
protection to over 1200 species of marine life.

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is a leading

ecologically sustainable tourism operation that
provides guests to the island with a genuine
ecotourism experience. Key themes that underpin
the operation are education and knowledge
sharing, transition to renewable energy and
good environmental management. The resort
has reduced energy consumption and carbon
emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. Initiatives
introduced include solar and gas technology,
water desalination and extensive vegetation
and tree planting.

Transitioning to renewable energy was

spearheaded by constructing a hybrid solar power
station, together with additional solar panels
directly feeding the island’s power grid and
ongoing energy efficiency efforts, the resort’s daily
diesel fuel usage has decreased from over 500
litres to less than 120 litres. This project received
Government support through the sponsored
Renewable Remote Power Generation Program
with a grant of $198,000.

A commitment to best practice environmental

practice and continual improvement has
resulted in the resort receiving Advanced Eco
and Climate Action Business Certification with
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
Photo: © Darren Jew
Ecotourism Australia and numerous prestigious
awards. The operation is a three-time winner of
the Tourism Fraser Coast Environmental Tourism
Award, culminating in a Hall of Fame Award, and a
Silver Award winner (2013) and Gold Award winner
(2014) in the Steve Irwin Award for Ecotourism.

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 15
Draft
Monitoring progress
A group, comprising key stakeholders from government and
industry, will be established to monitor the delivery of the
actions and progress towards the strategic directions.

Annual reports will outline progress against actions and through

the implementation of the Action Plan we will move forward
on our commitment of achieving the right balance between
conservation and sustainable ecotourism development.
These reports will be published on the NPSR and
DTESB websites.

Whale watching in Hervey Bay

Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 16
Draft
Have your say
Community, industry and stakeholder feedback on
the draft Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020
will be obtained through an online survey on the
Queensland Government’s Get Involved website at
www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au. The survey will take
10 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of
feedback provided, and will be open from 8 October
to 20 November 2015.

Visit the department’s website at www.npsr.qld.gov.au

for further information and to view the draft plan.
The next steps in the consultation process are outlined
in Figure 1.

Thank you for your input into this important plan

for Queensland.

Figure 1: Next steps in consultation process

Public release: October 2015

Public consultation 6 weeks; information on
NPSR website; online survey.

Consultation: October–November 2015

Community, industry and stakeholder feedback
via online survey.

Final Queensland Ecotourism Plan

2015–2020: released 2016
Develop final plan considering feedback received.

Lamington National Park

Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 17
Draft
Three-year action plan
Action Responsible agencies

12 MONTHS (including ongoing actions)

Strategic direction 1: Driving innovation in ecotourism experiences
1.1 Facilitate experience development programs that enhance the industry’s capacity to deliver TEQ, DTESB, NPSR,
world-class ecotourism visitor experiences (ongoing) GBRMPA
1.2 Provide a range of experience development tools for industry to further enhance ecotourism TEQ, DTESB, NPSR
experience delivery (ongoing)
1.3 Foster a culture of quality ecotourism interpretation and storytelling that seeks to enhance TEQ, DATSIP, EA, GBRMPA
operator capabilities for the benefit of their business and product delivery (ongoing)
1.4 Develop an events framework to foster appropriate events in national parks that provide new NPSR, TEQ
and enhanced visitor experiences, support conservation of national parks, deliver economic
benefits and encourage regional visitation
1.5 Promote certification programs that support a range of tourism activities and provide multiple QTIC, EA, TEQ, DTESB,
entry points for industry with a view to promoting best practice and ensuring sustainable NPSR, GBRMPA
certification programs.
Strategic direction 2: Showcasing the world renowned Great Barrier Reef
2.1 Develop a Great Barrier Reef Islands Strategy focused on creating world leading island visitor DTESB, NPSR, DNRM, QTIC
experiences that are commercially and environmentally sustainable
2.2 Implement the ecotourism actions identified in the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan EHP
(ongoing, see Appendix 1 for specific actions)
2.3 Implement the Tourism and Events Queensland Great Barrier Reef Tourism Strategy TEQ
(2015–2018) (ongoing)
2.4 Leverage Tourism Australia's Coastal and Aquatic campaign including the David Attenborough TEQ
Great Barrier Reef television series
2.5 Provide accurate information to the public on the health of the Great Barrier Reef and EHP, GBRMPA, AMPTO, TEQ
progress on the range of initiatives to reduce key threats such as catchment runoff and
crown of thorns starfish
2.6 Engage with industry and key Great Barrier Reef stakeholders, such as the Tourism Reef QTIC, DTESB, NPSR
Advisory Committee (TRAC), in the consultation process for new ecotourism opportunities
(ongoing)
2.7 Actively engage in leveraging research opportunities through the Reef and Rainforest Research QTIC
Centre (RRRC) and other science and research organisations (ongoing)

Strategic direction 3: Stimulating investment in new and refurbished ecotourism opportunities

3.1 Develop an investor toolkit to guide prospective investors and/or proponents through DTESB, NPSR, TEQ, DNRM
government planning and regulatory systems.
3.2 Attract and facilitate private investment into island tourism infrastructure (ongoing) DTESB, TEQ, NPSR,
GBRMPA, DNRM
3.3 Develop a portfolio of high quality ecotourism investment projects located on State and other DTESB, TEQ, DNRM
freehold land that demonstrate strong business cases and local support (ongoing)

3.4 Implement the Queensland Eco and Sustainable Tourism policy in the Moreton Island NPSR
Recreation Area
3.5 Implement best practice approaches and certification programs (where appropriate) to ensure NPSR, QTIC, GBRMPA, EA
protection and sustainable use of Queensland’s special natural areas (ongoing)
3.6 Ensure tourism interests are considered in future reviews of wildlife management regulations EHP, DTESB, NPSR, TEQ
and processes (ongoing)

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 18
Draft
Three-year action plan (continued)
Action Responsible agencies

12 MONTHS (including ongoing actions)

Strategic direction 4: Expanding authentic Indigenous ecotourism experiences
4.1 Work with existing and potential Indigenous ecotourism product to ensure long term TEQ, NPSR, DATSIP, DTESB
sustainability (ongoing)
4.2 Collaborate with members of the QTIC Tourism Indigenous Employment Champions Network QTIC
to encourage participation of Indigenous Australians in ecotourism products (ongoing)

Strategic direction 5: Promoting Queensland’s world-class ecotourism experiences

5.1 Deliver a streamlined and consumer-focused online experience for Queensland’s protected NPSR, TEQ
areas including a new booking service, social media and new consumer website
5.2 Partner with Tourism Australia to ensure there is a strong Queensland presence in any future TEQ, TA, NPSR
Nature Australia initiatives (ongoing)
5.3 Maximise the ecotourism marketing potential of Queensland's destinations and operators TEQ
(ongoing)
5.4 Promote and support the Queensland Tourism Awards which recognise and reward the QTIC, NPSR, TEQ, DTESB
outstanding achievements of ecotourism operators (ongoing)

TWO YEARS
Strategic direction 1: Driving innovation in ecotourism experiences
1.6 Progress best practice, low impact ecotourism investment opportunities NPSR, DTESB, TEQ, DNRM
1.7 Accelerate the uptake of certification among ecotourism businesses and support a database QTIC
of accredited businesses
Strategic direction 4: Expanding authentic Indigenous ecotourism experiences
4.3 Identify new Indigenous ecotourism opportunities in and adjacent to Queensland’s TEQ, NPSR, DATSIP, DTESB
national parks
Strategic direction 5: Promoting Queensland’s world-class ecotourism experiences
5.5 Foster a stronger focus on World Heritage Area brand marketing and promotion TEQ

THREE YEARS
Strategic direction 1: Driving innovation in ecotourism experiences
1.8 Undertake an evaluation of the outcomes and effectiveness of certification programs on QTIC, NPSR, DTESB
ecotourism products

Strategic direction 3: Stimulating investment in new and refurbished ecotourism opportunities

3.7 Implement the Queensland Eco and Sustainable Tourism policy at Daintree National Park and NPSR
in the Cooloola Recreation Area

Strategic direction 4: Expanding authentic Indigenous ecotourism experiences

4.4 Investigate Indigenous ‘Sea Country’ ecotourism opportunities in particular on the Great TEQ, NPSR, GBRMPA,
Barrier Reef DATSIP, DTESB

4.5 Work with the Quandamooka People and key stakeholders to develop a range of ecotourism DTESB, NPSR, TEQ, DATSIP
opportunities on North Stradbroke Island to support local tourism and economic development

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 19
Draft
Appendix 1—Actions from Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability
Plan (LTSP)
The table below is an extract of ecotourism related actions from the LTSP. The timing for these actions are long term from 2015–2050.

Action Lead Agency Supporting Agencies

Community Benefits
CBA7 – DILGP EHP
Ensure the aesthetic values of the reefs, islands and the coast are considered and GBRMPA
protected through planning and development decisions. and contributing partners;
LGAQ, LG
CBA8 – GBRMPA NPSR
Industry, community and governments work together to implement policies and DTESB
programs that address tourism and recreational use of the Great Barrier Reef OCG
Marine Park: DTMR
DAF
• ensure that tourism and recreation activities are ecologically sustainable
and contributing partners;
• maintain and apply a contemporary and adaptive set of
AMPTO,
management arrangements
LGAQ,
• implement best practice approaches and certification programs (where
NRMs
appropriate) to ensure protection and sustainable use of the Great Barrier Reef
(e.g. High Standard Tourism Operators program)
• maintain visitor satisfaction through high quality presentation and tourism
services, including quality world heritage interpretation
• maintain recreational opportunities for Reef visitors (e.g. recreational fishing,
sailing and diving)
• coordinate field management activities for Reef visitors
• promote voluntary compliance and Reef-friendly behaviour
• provide adequate and well-maintained visitor infrastructure such as public
moorings, reef protection markers, island facilities and interpretive signs

Economic Benefits
EBA14 – NPSR DTESB
Implement the Queensland Ecotourism Plan: 2015–2020 in a manner that builds and contributing partners;
upon consistent and effective management of tourism in protected areas. Industry

EBA15 – DAF NPSR

Recognise tourism-related fishing, particularly charter fishing, as a distinct fishing EHP
activity through the development of an action plan which: DTMR

• identifies fisheries resources with tourism-related potential at a detailed

regional level
• develops mechanisms to enable charter fishing to operate on a sustainable basis

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 20
Draft
Appendix 2—Key to acronyms
AMPTO Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators

DAF Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

DATSIP Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership

DILGP Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning

DNRM Department of Natural Resources and Mines

DTESB Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and Commonwealth Games

DTMR Department of Transport and Main Roads

EA Ecotourism Australia

EHP Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

GBRMPA Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

LG Local Government

LGAQ Local Government Association of Queensland

NRMs Natural resource management organisations

NPSR Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing

OCG Office of Coordinator General

QTIC Queensland Tourism Industry Council

TA Tourism Australia

TEQ Tourism and Events Queensland

Marlong Arch, Mt Moffatt National Park

Photo: © Geoff Adams

Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2015–2020

Draft for consultation 21
www.npsr.qld.gov.au