Tuesday 31 January 2006

A new publication gives tourism operators and guides useful tips on how to “sell” the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to their customers.

Reef Facts for tour guides, produced regularly by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), contains facts on all facets of the Marine Park.

GBRMPA Executive Director Andrew Skeat said it aimed to ensure all operators were up-to-date with the latest information on the World Heritage Area.

“Reef Facts engages directly with tourism operators and guides, encouraging them to give key messages about the reef,” he said.

“Tourism in the Great Barrier Reef catchment is a major industry, contributing $5.1 billion each year to the Australian economy.”

Mr Skeat said the first edition focused on a “big picture” view on the Great Barrier Reef, with subsequent editions set to cover everything from sharks to Indigenous sea country.

“Reef Facts provides accurate information on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in an interesting format so visitor satisfaction, understanding and connection with the Great Barrier Reef and its values is enhanced,” he said.

“Our Tourism and Recreation Reef Advisory Committee support GBRMPA giving local operators the information and tools to more effectively promote the Marine Park.”

Col McKenzie from the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators said the publication contained interesting information for marine tourism operators to deliver to their customers.

“Reef Facts is a fantastic resource for marine tourism operators who not only want to get the information they provide to tourists correct but to make it interesting as well,” he said.