New Palaszczuk Government strategy sets out ecotourism vision

The Queensland Government today (Tuesday) released its plan to support growth in sustainable ecotourism, delivering new jobs and world-class experiences in the sector.

The Queensland Eco-Tourism Plan 2016-2020 was launched on World Tourism Day by Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles, and Tourism Minister Kate Jones at The Gap’s Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.

Dr Miles said balancing conservation with world-class experiences in the State’s National Parks and natural environment was “front and centre’ of the ecotourism plan.

“Queenslanders and visitors to our State are very fortunate in that our world-famous natural environment is so accessible, and the Palaszczuk Government has a vision ensuring more people come into contact with nature,” Dr Miles said.

“We have an opportunity to build our reputation around the world as a tourism destination focussed on conservation of our diverse landscape, unique natural wonders and significant cultural heritage.

“This plan sets out our vision to support sustainable growth, protect the environment and deliver new ecotourism experiences and job opportunities,” he said.

The whole of government plan, led by the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing (NPSR), was developed in partnership with the tourism industry, traditional owners, conservation and research sectors, and the community.

The State Government received 83 public submissions, which expressed overwhelming support from the community and industry to protect the Great Barrier Reef; and strong support for ecotourism certification and sustainable event management in national parks.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said ecotourism was an important element of Queensland’s booming tourism industry.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to working with the industry to develop Queensland’s world-class ecotourism experiences,” Ms Jones said.

“We want to encourage industry investment in ecotourism to ensure we are delivering new and innovative products to visitors.

“Working with stakeholders, we have developed the Queensland Ecotourism Development Toolkit to support tourism operators in delivering new experiences.

“The Toolkit will be a valuable resource which guides potential ecotourism developers and investors through the ecotourism development process; from planning and regulatory approvals to site selection and environmental sensitivity,” she said.

Daniel Gschwind, Chief Executive Officer for Queensland Tourism Council said our natural environment in Queensland is our greatest competitive advantage in a tough global tourism market.

“We have an opportunity through well-informed management and best-practice tourism to not only create jobs and income but also look after our natural heritage,” Mr Gschwind said.

“A constructive partnership between the Queensland Government and the tourism industry is critical in achieving the best outcome and this Ecotourism Plan is an important demonstration of our shared interests.”

Dr Miles also announced the Queensland Government was formally endorsing the EarthCheck program to certify local ecotourism operators permitted on national parks and other protected areas, in addition to the current provider Ecotourism Australia.

“EarthCheck is used globally in more than 70 countries as evidence of best practice eco and nature based tourism,” he said.

“Their operational data helps the tourism industry develop performance and opportunity reports, which outline energy consumption, carbon footprinting, social initiatives, and business viability”.

Five strategic directions of the plan outline the action 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

Link to plan: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/tourism/ecotourism/strategies.html

Link to toolkit: www.business.qld.gov.au/ecotourism-toolkit

ENDS

MEDIA MIN MILES: 0412 393 909

MEDIA MIN JONES: 0427 403 061