Global Eco-Tourism Conference For Noosa

Leading annual ecotourism conference set to attract hundreds of delegates from around the world.

Australian Minister for Tourism Jann Stuckey and Minister for National Parks Steve Dickson said the 21st Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference provides an opportunity for Queensland to showcase itself as a world class ecotourism destination.

"We are excited to be supporting this year’s event at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, a fitting location for us to promote the huge tourism potential of our national parks and forests," Ms Stuckey said.

"The conference program focuses on the global trends influencing tourism as we enter the 21st century, as identified through our commissioned CSIRO research.

"The research supports our work with industry to develop a 20 year plan for Queensland tourism and provides an opportunity to profile potential ecotourism investment opportunities in our national parks.

"Conference delegates will consider the impact and influence of these global trends in the context of innovation in ecotourism."

Mr Dickson said Queensland was a natural choice to lead the growing worldwide interest in sustainable ecotourism.

"We are blessed with more than 1,300 national parks and other reserves, conserving a diverse array of species and ecosystems as well as five World Heritage listed areas – more than any other state or territory in Australia," Mr Dickson said.

"Queensland’s unique natural environment is our greatest competitive advantage and already attracts 51 million visits each year by Australians alone.

"This conference will shine a global spotlight on the best that Queensland has to offer while exploring practical opportunities to enrich the visitor experience and improve the environmental integrity of our protected areas."

The conference will be staged by Ecotourism Australia with support from the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing and Tourism and Events Queensland.  Tourism Noosa is the host destination sponsor.

Noosa has been announced as the host destination for the 21st Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference from November 18 to 20, 2013.

Tourism Noosa General Manager Mr Damien Massingham said that Tourism Noosa recognised the significance of this conference.

"The conference fits perfectly with the attributes of Noosa and within the vision of the Tourism Noosa Sustainable Destination Action Plan. As such Tourism Noosa has helped secure this conference for Noosa by committing financial and in-kind marketing support which will provide widespread benefits to the region." Mr Massingham said.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Noosa to be the host venue for such an important international  conference and highlights Noosa’s status as Queensland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is also a clear recognition of our focus on a sustainable tourism future that balances the environment and business growth."

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