Call for tenders for Whitsunday Island ecotourism feasibility study

The Palaszczuk Government is calling for tenders to conduct a study to determine the best option for a premium ecotourism experience on Whitsunday Island in north Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands National Park.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said this was part of an election commitment to explore opportunities to build a premium ecotourism experience on Whitsunday Island, the largest in the 74-island group.

“This beautiful island features rainforest gullies, heath-covered mountain tops, rocky inlets, secret coves and white sandy beaches – including the world-famous Whitehaven Beach – and is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has committed $5 million to build a premium product on this island and now we are looking for suitably qualified professionals to lead a study to determine what ecotourism experience would be best suited for the island.

“The study will look at what eco-friendly accommodation and activities will be suited financially and environmentally for tourism operators.”

Minister for Tourism Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government is focused on capitalising on the unique ecotourism opportunities in Queensland.

“The Whitsunday Island Premium Ecotourism project will showcase the region’s beauty, boost the local economy and create jobs, including opportunities for Traditional Owners,” Ms Jones said.

“Through the feasibility study, the Government will work with stakeholders to identify opportunities that will maximise the economic benefit for the region while creating a unique, innovative experience,” she said.

Ms Enoch said Whitsunday Islands National Park was one of our iconic parks and was valued internationally for its outstanding scenic beauty.

“Whitsunday Island has not and never will be home to a resort, although it’s a popular destination for hikers, and many tour operators are licensed to take visitors to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet,” Ms Enoch said.

“The study will look at low-impact eco-accommodation, walking tracks throughout the island to expand on the many existing tracks, and showcase destinations such as Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

“Our Government is committed to delivering ecotourism experiences that are ecologically and environmentally sustainable, and that create employment for locals and opportunities for traditional owners,” Ms Enoch said.

Daniel Gschwind, CEO of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, welcomed the call for tenders.

“Our Great Barrier Reef Islands are iconic assets that offer Queensland enviable opportunities for sustainable tourism,” Mr Gschwind said.

“Not only can we create outstanding experiences in world-class marine and terrestrial environments, we can also count on global exposure for Queensland from those eye-catching places.

“To remain competitive in a growing global tourism market, Queensland must embrace its natural advantages and be innovative and creative in building sustainable business opportunities.  This is a great initiative by the Queensland Government to take us towards that goal,” he said.

For further information, visit https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/tourism/ecotourism/current.html.

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