QTIC., 2008:

"Climate change will affect GBR marine tourism both directly, through changes in weather patterns, and indirectly, through changes in the GBR ecosystem (see Table). Less predictable weather and increased storms will impact trip scheduling. More severe storms and sea-level rise will put waterfront infrastructure at risk, including marinas, jetties, boat ramps, roads, restaurants, accommodation, and other buildings. These increased risks to infrastructure will cause corresponding increases in the costs of insurance.

Climate change will also impact the liveability and lifestyle available to residents and tourists in the GBR region. Tourists may alter their destination choices to avoid uncomfortably hot climates. The risk of being infected by tropical diseases is expected to increase. Tourism and community infrastructure will be affected by changes in demand for energy, availability of water and changing land values. Designs for hotels and visitor centres that create shade and cool buildings will be increasingly important in the hotter times ahead.

Climate change will also impact GBR marine tourism through its effects on the marine ecosystem. Declining coral reef condition and changes in the abundance and location of fish, marine mammals and other iconic species are likely to have the greatest impact on the industry. For example, research conducted on live-aboard vessels in the GBR found that the environmental attributes most valued by divers are: amazing corals, reef sharks, diversity of marine life (particularly fish), good visibility, Potato Cod and interesting topography. Most of these attributes will be negatively affected by climate change. However, the economic strength of the GBR marine tourism industry is related to [a] broad range of influences."

Table 1: GBR tourism activities that may be negatively impacted by anticipated climate-induced changes