What do tourists do at the Great Barrier Reef?

What do tourists do at the Great Barrier Reef?

Among the most popular things to do are scuba diving and snorkeling along the shimmering coral reefs, sailing around idyllic tropical islands, fishing in designated zones, peering at the abundant marine life from a glass-bottomed boat, and soaring over this magnificent natural wonder on a scenic flight.

How much tourism does the Great Barrier Reef?

Approximately five million people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year. According to the WWF, tourism of the area contributes $5.4 billion a year to the Australian economy, and employs approximately 69,000 people.

Is tourism good for the Great Barrier Reef?

Tourism is a major industry along the Great Barrier Reef coastline and it contributes exponentially to both the Queensland and Australian economy. Prior to COVID-19, up to 2 million visits are made each year to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by visitors using a tourism operation.

How many tourists visit the Great Barrier Reef each year?

two million visitors
Fact: The Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination with over two million visitors each year. Fact: Tourism to the reef generates approximately AU$5-6 billion per year.

Why is a coral reef a major tourist attraction?

Coral reefs are the poster child of nature-based tourism. Many visitors come specifically to visit the reefs themselves, to swim over shimmering gardens of coral amongst hordes of fish, but many more are unknowing beneficiaries of the reefs as producers of sand, coastal protection, food and remarkable vistas.

Why Is tourism good for coral reefs?

The dependency of the travel and tourism industry on a healthy environment goes much deeper than that, however. Not only does a reef provide entertainment value for seaside visitors, but it can deflect waves that cause erosion and reduce the risk of storm surges that can harm the industry’s bottom line.

Where do most tourist come from to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

40 percent of the 1.6 million visitors are from overseas, with the percentage as high as 70 percent in Cairns. Many are repeat visitors who, research shows, tend to opt for smaller rather than large vessels for subsequent trips.

How does tourism affect the Great Barrier Reef economically?

It is now estimated that GBR tourism employs more than 64,000 people (full-time equivalent) and contributes $5.2 billion annually to the Australian economy1.

How long have tourists been visiting the Great Barrier Reef?

In the 1890s, Green Island became one of the first destinations for pleasure cruises off the coast of Cairns, starting what was to become organised tourism on the Great Barrier Reef. By the 1930s tourist resorts were being developed at Green Island and at Heron Island further south.

What are the negative impacts of tourism in the Great Barrier Reef?

Impacts include physical damage to reefs and coral from boats, trampling and snorkelling, pollution from rubbish and human waste, wildlife disturbance where tourists aren’t maintaining a respectful distance and increased pressure from recreational fishing.

Where do visitors to the Great Barrier Reef come from?

Why is the Great Barrier Reef amazing?

There are 600 types of hard and soft coral. This impressive reef is home to countless species including 6 species of turtles, 215 species of birds, 17 species of sea snakes and more than 1,500 species of fish! 10% of the worlds total fish species can be found just within the Great Barrier Reef.