Ecotourism in Queensland has been a focal point of the Australian tourism industry since 1997, when a plan was developed to outline the key vision for growth of this sector. "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," explains the Queensland Ecotourism Plan.
The ECO Guide Certification Program, administered by Ecotourism Australia, the industry's governing entity, offers certification programs designed to ensure visitors of the commitment of tour guides to deliver an environmentally responsible service. Operators of tours, accommodations, or attractions may also be credentialed under the ECO Tourism Certification program. The industry group encourages visitors to patronize businesses that have undergone this vetting.
Ecotourism jewels of Queensland include 200 national parks and five of Australia's 16 World Heritage Areas: Fraser Island--the world's largest sand island; Australia's Tropical Rainforests--estimated to be 415 million years old; the Great Barrier Reef--the world's largest living organism; the Riversleigh Fossil Fields; and, the Gondwana Rainforests.
