Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) has partnered with Expedia in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia to introduce a new platform that rewards travelers for learning about the Great Barrier Reef. It’s called Guardian of the Reef.
Travelers who visit the newly launched website 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 then reach the ‘ocean floor’ where they can go in the draw to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and unlock exclusive experiences. These include staying at Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefstay with Cruise Whitsundays, to join a Master Reef Guide for a private guided Snorkel Safari.
The program was developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority). According to Expedia, The Great Barrier Reef is home to 142 eco-certified operators, the highest number in Australia, making up 30% of Ecotourism Australia’s eco-certified operators. The Guardian of the Reef platform will link travelers with operators certified through Ecotourism Australia, EarthCheck or the Zoo and Aquarium Association. Eco-certified experiences listed on the platform include citizen science tours like Be a Marine Bio with Passions of Paradise, the Lady Musgrave Experience zero carbon footprint pontoon and a Tropic Wings electric bus tour to see World Heritage rainforest.
Vice President of Global Social Impact & Sustainability for Expedia Group Aditi Mohapatra said, “Expedia Group’s recent Sustainable Travel Study revealed that 90% 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.”
As part of the partnership with TTNQ, Expedia will make a US$50,000 donation to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, to further extend the support in the regeneration of the Great Barrier Reef and the existing conservation efforts.
“Tourism activities take place on just 7% of the Great Barrier Reef, with each visitor contributing to its conservation through an Environmental Management Charge of AU$8,” said Reef Authority General Manager Strategic Policy and Partnerships Fred Nucifora. “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.”
