Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003-2008 - Tourism Queensland

Minimum operating standards required of both ecotourism and nature-based tourism
operators are increasing and will continue to do so. As minimum requirements have increased,
the differences between the ecotourism and nature-based tourism sectors have become less
and ecotourism principles are increasingly viewed as a method of delivery for nature-based
tourism. Over and above minimum operating requirements, tourism operators demonstrate
varying levels of adherence to ecotourism principles and standards and these differences are
reflected by the attainment of different levels of accreditation and certification.
In an attempt to reflect this maturing of the ecotourism industry, the following updated
definition of ecotourism has been adopted for the Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008:
“Ecotourism encompasses a spectrum of nature-based activities that foster visitor
appreciation and understanding of natural and cultural heritage and are managed to
be ecologically, economically and socially sustainable.”
It is anticipated that the new definition will assist in overcoming some of the confusion that
has arisen over defining the boundary between ‘ecotourism’ and ‘nature-based tourism’. It also
more accurately reflects the reality that ecotourism encompasses a wide range and different
styles of nature-based activities. Further, the new definition provides more definite links
between ecotourism and the ‘triple-bottom-line’ principles of ecologically sustainable
development.
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It is important to recognise that ecotourism products are not defined by their scale of
operations but rather by their adoption of the following key principles of ecotourism:
• dependent on the natural environment;
• ecologically sustainable;
• contributes to the conservation of nature;
• involves education and interpretation;
• culturally responsible;
• sustains local communities; and,
• commercially viable and profitable.
The Ecotourism Industry
Queensland – an ecotourism destination
The basis of Queensland’s attractiveness as a destination is undoubtedly the State’s variety of
natural attractions, conserved and presented in a network of World Heritage Areas, national
parks, marine parks, state forests and other natural areas, including those in private ownership.
The importance of these areas to the tourism industry is evident through the spectacular
natural images used in marketing Queensland.
In the mind of the consumer, the natural attractions of Queensland including the Great Barrier
Reef, beaches, rainforests and outback settings represent the primary drawcard features of the
State. This is apparent from recent research conducted in Queensland’s major international
markets that indicates high demand for visiting and experiencing natural areas in Queensland
(International Blueprint Research, Tourism Queensland, 2001).