State of the Reef Report 2003: Tourism and recreation

Tourism is the largest commercial activity in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), generating up to A$4.2 billion per annum (see Chapter 4 of the Industries, Land Use and Water Quality in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Research Report released by the Productivity Commission in February 2003). The marine tourism industry is a major contributor to the local communities along the coast of the GBRMP and the Australian economy. It is estimated that private recreational use on the GBRMP contributes at least an additional $240 million (Productivity Commission 2003). Since initial establishment of the GBRMP in 1975, tourism on the Reef has transformed from some small operators in regional centres to a multi-billion dollar industry focussed offshore from Cairns, Port Douglas and in the Whitsundays. The marine tourism industry is very diverse, offering a wide range of products, from day trips, to cruise ships, sail-your-own yachts or kayaking in coastal areas. There are approximately 730 tourism operators with 1500 vessels and aircraft permitted to operate in the GBRMP. The overall number of visitors on commercial tourism operations has been relatively stable since the mid-1990s, with approximately 1.8 million visitor days in 2001. Private recreational use of the GBRMP is focussed on recreational fishing. There is limited information on the number of recreational visitors or their patterns of use. Management of tourism and recreation in the GBRMP is focussed on ensuring ecologically sustainable use of this outstanding natural area. Management by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is conducted in partnership with the marine tourism industry and relevant governments agencies, especially the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). In general, tourism operators demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting the GBRMP, as it is fundamental to their business future