A commitment to best practice tourism in the Great Barrier Reef is stronger than ever according to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) who recently renewed their partnership with  Ecotourism Australia.

The announcement was made at the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference in Sydney last week, ahead of World Responsible Tourism Day.

The agreement sees Ecotourism Australia continue to independently assess and certify Great Barrier Reef tourism operators that operate to a high standard in the Marine Park.

GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt said Ecotourism Australia’s program encouraged tourism operations to adopt best practices and reassured visitors their experiences were sustainable and helped look after the Reef.

“I’m delighted we are continuing to work with Ecotourism Australia. They independently recognise and certify tourism operators protecting the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a premier tourism destination and this program helps ensure over half the visitors to this iconic attraction are choosing a high standard operator.

“We applaud tourism operators that go the extra mile to ensure they do the very best for the environment and their guests, as well as giving back to Marine Park management.

“The Great Barrier Reef faces many pressures and partnerships such as this, and the good work of the tourism industry, are vital ingredients for the future of the Reef.”

There are now 52 Eco Certified operators in the High Standard Tourism Program, with over 60 per cent of the visitors to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park using ecocertified operators.

The partnership between GBRMPA and Ecotourism Australia began in 2004 to encourage best practice marine tourism on the Great Barrier Reef.

Certified operators are rewarded by GBRMPA with an extended permit term of 15 years. 

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