Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003-2008 - Tourism Queensland

PREFACE
Purpose of the Queensland Ecotourism Plan
The Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008 outlines the vision and policy for the future of
ecotourism in Queensland. Its purpose is to provide a framework for planning, developing,
managing and marketing Queensland’s ecotourism industry.
Planning Process
The Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008 has been developed by Tourism Queensland,
taking into account the many values that Queensland’s natural areas hold for the community
and the various stakeholder groups with an interest in ecotourism.
In developing the Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008, Tourism Queensland conducted a
review of implementation of the 1997 Queensland Ecotourism Plan, a review of contemporary
national and international ecotourism planning and management and embarked on a
Queensland wide consultation program with industry, government and the community. An
industry panel was convened, with representatives from key industry, government and
community sectors to provide a strategic direction for the development of the Plan. The
reviews undertaken and industry panel feedback were used to develop a ‘Directions Report’
that outlined the proposed contents for the Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008. The
Directions Report was widely distributed and a series of workshops were held throughout
Queensland to obtain stakeholder feedback.
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Outcomes of the regional workshops were used to develop a Discussion Paper that
summarised the research reviews, presented a snapshot of the state of the industry and
proposed Key Objectives and Action Plans for the Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008.
The Discussion paper was endorsed by Cabinet and released for comment during August
2002. All feedback received was analysed and considered in the development of the
Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008.
Approach to the Queensland Ecotourism Plan
The Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008 integrates environmental, economic and social
considerations in natural areas in ways that ally environmental protection and the commercial
viability of ecotourism operations. The Plan complements the State Government’s economic
development policy by providing opportunities for employment and development of small scale
and larger scale businesses; ensuring skills development in ecotourism and natural area
management; encouraging ecotourism in all Queensland regions; and favouring market
enhancement while recognising ecotourism cannot occur without protection of the natural and
cultural environment which attracts visitors.
Tourism Queensland will be responsible for coordinating implementation of the Queensland
Ecotourism Plan 2003–2008, working with other stakeholders to ensure Action Plans are
implemented in accordance with the agreed time frame. Implementation will need to have
some level of flexibility to accommodate changes in priorities and available resources and will
include a process of monitoring and annual reviews. Tourism Queensland will report progress
on implementation of the Plan to Cabinet annually.