‘See, love, protect it’: How tourists can become Great Barrier Reef ‘guardians’

Visitors to the Far North could win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and become a reef guardian in a world-first conservation initiative by Tropical Tourism North Queensland and global travel agency Expedia.

GBR Biology marine biologist Brittany Wassing at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. Image Luke Marsden

Visitors to the Far North could win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and become a reef guardian in a world-first conservation initiative by Tropical Tourism North Queensland and global travel agency Expedia.

Partnering with Expedia, TTNQ has introduced Guardians of the Reef, a new online platform promoting reef-positive travel choices to visitors in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

TTNQ chief executive Mark Olsen said the aim was help people understand how visiting the Great Barrier Reef was the best thing they could do to help it.

“It was developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, blending science and environmental education with Indigenous wisdom and sustainable tourism experiences,” Mr Olsen said.

Visitors to the Far North could win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and become a ‘Guardian of the Reef’ in a world-first conservation initiative launched by Tropical Tourism North Queensland and Expedia. Photo: Supplied.

Conservation-curious travellers can visit the newly launched website and work through a series of short educational videos and fast facts, each with a coupon reward system to use with Expedia bookings on the Great Barrier Reef.

Participants then reach the “ocean floor” where they can go in the draw to win a trip to the

Great Barrier Reef and unlock exclusive experiences, including staying at Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefstay with Cruise Whitsundays, to join a Master Reef Guide for a private guided Snorkel Safari.

“The Guardian of the Reef platform links travellers to operators certified through Ecotourism Australia, Earthcheck and the Zoo and Aquarium Association while helping them to understand that they contribute financially to the Reef’s future through an $8 Environmental Management Charge,” Mr Olsen said.

GBR Biology Manager Eric Fisher in the laboratory on the Reef Magic Pontoon at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. Image Luke Marsden

Marine biologist and Reef Unlimited guide Dr Eric Fisher said local operators witnessed first hand how visitors to the reef would walk away with greater love and appreciation for it.

“This world-first program gives global reach to the mantra of See it. Love it. Protect it,” Dr Fisher said.

“Our Great Barrier Reef operators see this every day when their passengers walk away from their Great Barrier Reef experience with a new appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the world’s largest ecosystem and a greater understanding of the current health of the Reef.”

Visitors to the Far North could win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and become a ’Guardian of the Reef’ in a world-first conservation initiative launched by Tropical Tourism North Queensland and Expedia. Image Luke Marsden

Vice president of global social impact and sustainability for Expedia Group Aditi Mohapatra said Expedia Group’s recent Sustainable Travel Study revealed that 90 per cent of travellers prioritise sustainability, and concern about the environmental impact they left behind.

“We believe travel is a force for good and we are proud to support the Great Barrier Reef Foundation with a donation to advance reef conservation,” Mr Mohapatra said.

As part of the partnership with TTNQ, Expedia will make a US$50,000 donation to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, to further extend the support in the regeneration of the Great Barrier Reef and the existing conservation efforts.

For more information on Guardians of the Reef, visit the Expedia website.

Originally published as ‘See, love, protect it’: How tourists can become Great Barrier Reef ‘guardians’