Tourism development in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Abstract

The paper provides a management case study of tourism as a reasonable use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It summarises the multiple-use management concept applied in the Marine Park, and discusses the Great Barrier Reef as a tourist attraction. It describes the general provisions of zoning and management that affect tourism, and the specific approach of the permit system which provides for case-by-case management and control of tourist programs and developments. It outlines the interaction of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park controls with other Commonwealth and Queensland environmental legislation, and describes the development of site management and strategic plans to provide guidance to permit applicants and delegates regarding possible developments and activities within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.