Ecotourism continues to be one of Queensland’s biggest drawcards and one of the tourism industry’s biggest strengths, with the reef, rainforests and outback all offering unique visitor experiences.
Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind today applauded Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones and Environment Minister Leanne Enoch for their efforts to facilitate additional new ecotourism opportunities for the Sunshine State.
Minister Jones today announced a unique opportunity for domestic and international tourism operators and private investors to work with the State Government to develop three new ecotourism trails in regional Queensland.
The government is calling for interested parties to help develop Thorsborne Trail, Cooloola Great Walk and Whitsunday Island Trail.
“Partnering with the private sector, local councils and Traditional Owners to promote our stunning national parks is the best way to create sustainable experiences from our treasured natural assets,” said Mr Gschwind.
“Locals and visitors from around the world increasingly want to engage with pristine and intact natural settings.
“In the past five years domestic and international visitor numbers to national and state parks increased by 40 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.
“In that same period visitor participation in bush walking activities also increased, with a 32 per cent rise for domestic and a 27 per cent rise for international guests.”
Mr Gschwind said this is the perfect opportunity for Queensland to build on its tourism industry strengths.
“Sustainable, ecotourism can play a vital role in looking after nature as it encourages people to value and protect what they see,” he said.
“In partnership with government and Traditional Owners we can work to deliver good outcomes for the environment and for the community, and ensure the appropriate rules and regulations are put in place so future generations can enjoy our natural assets too.”
EOIs are open until Friday 30 November 2018 (the EOI document will be available for access until Friday 16 November 2018).
STATISTICS: Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Statistics (IVS) and National Visitor Statistics (NVS), year ending March 2018.
