Tourism Tropical North Queensland has partnered with Expedia in the US, UK and Australia to introduce the “Guardian of the Reef”, a world-first platform.

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

Participants the reach the “ocean floor” where they can enter the draw to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and unlock exclusive experiences.

A school of parrotfish swim past GBR Biology marine biologist Brittany Wassing at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

These experiences include staying at Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefstay with Cruise Whitsundays, and joining a Master Reef Guide for a private guided Snorkel Safari.

Developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority), Guardian of the Reef blends science and environmental education with Indigenous wisdom and sustainable products, to help travellers learn more about the health of the Great Barrier Reef and conservation initiatives.

The program stays with the customer from planning to travelling and continues after their visit to ensure
they are an active part of its conservation. The Great Barrier Reef is home to 142 eco-certified operators,
the highest number in Australia, making up 30 per cent of Ecotourism Australia’s eco-certified operators. The
Guardian of the Reef platform will link travellers with operators certified through Ecotourism Australia,
EarthCheck or the Zoo and Aquarium Association.

TTNQ chief executive officer, Mark Olsen, said the Guardian of the Reef platform would help travellers to understand the issues on the Reef, and how they can give back to Reef research and conservation simply by visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

“The educational website will teach travellers about the initiatives underway to protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations and encourage them to book an eco-certified experience to be part of the Reef conservation efforts,” he said.

“The opportunity to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and discounts for Great Barrier Reef experiences booked through Expedia are among the rewards for travellers who take the time to understand the reef’s natural and cultural significance. Understanding your impact on the Reef is the first step to acting with greatness.”

GBR Marine Biology Manager Eric Fisher inspects a restoration site at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

Marine biologist and master reef guide for GBR Biology/Reef Unlimited, Dr Eric Fisher, said: “This world-first program gives global reach to the mantra of See it. Love it. Protect it. 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.”

GBR Biology marine biologist Brittany Wassing above divers at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Authority general manager strategic policy and partnerships, Fred Nucifora, said tourism had long been at the forefront of conservation, with dedicated reef operators collaborating closely with the scientific and management communities to ensure the Great Barrier Reef remained the best managed reef on Earth.

“Tourism activities take place on just seven per cent of the Great Barrier Reef, with each visitor contributing to its conservation through an Environmental Management Charge of $8. This fee supports vital efforts such as the management of the marine park, control programs for the crown-of-thorns starfish, and various education and conservation initiatives.”

GBR Biology marine biologist Brittany Wassing alongside the Reef Magic Pontoon at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

Expedia Group vice president of global social impact & sustainability, Aditi Mohapatra, said: “Expedia Group’s recent Sustainable Travel Study revealed that 90 per cent of travelers prioritize sustainability, indicating their concern about the environmental impact they leave behind. To help, Expedia is partnering with Tourism Tropical North Queensland to offer an interactive way to learn about and support the Great Barrier Reef while earning travel discounts along the way.

“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.”

Wally the Humphead Maori Wrasse at the Reef Magic Pontoon at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland tourism minister, Michael Healy, said: “I’ve spent a significant part of my career promoting the Great Barrier Reef. It is one of the most iconic, spectacular and vulnerable natural wonders on the planet.

“We can always do more to protect and conserve the Reef. By encouraging more people to visit the Reef, it helps build global support to save our prized asset.

“Master Reef Guides play a pivotal role in education, awareness and monitoring of this 2,300km-long coral Reef ecosystem.

“We also turned the Reef into the state’s biggest classroom through the Great Barrier Reef Education Program with more than 30,000 students visiting the Reef since the program started in June 2021.

“The more Guardians of the Reef we can get, the better.”

Marine Biologist and child in GBR Biology lab on the Reef Magic pontoon.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan, said: “More than two million visitors to the Reef every year see and learn first-hand some of the incredible initiatives taking place on the Reef and enjoying its beauty leaves those visitors absolutely wow-ed.

“By taking the stories of the Reef out to the world, we hope to drive more understanding and appreciation of the Reef, so that more visitors to come and experience it for themselves.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, said: “The Guardian of the Reef initiative was made possible with funding under the Australian Government’s $15 million International Tourism Recovery Grants program.

“The Reef is one of the world’s great natural wonders and a major tourism drawcard for Australia, supporting 64,000 local jobs.

“The Australian Government has committed an unprecedented level of investment in conservation and protection measures to ensure a healthy future for the Reef.

“It’s important that visitors understand how amazing the Reef is, how much Australia values it as a national treasure, and how committed we are to protecting it.

“I applaud Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and other partners for helping share that message through the ‘Guardian of the Reef’ initiative.”