Commercial reef tourism operators to benefit from Reef Education Program

Commercial reef tourism operators have the chance to join the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program launched by the Queensland Government which is a three-year program providing up to $150 per student, paid directly to schools, toward the cost of a school excursion which includes a reef experience.

To be eligible for the program, commercial reef tourism operators must have a COVIDSafe plan in place, a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority permit to operate in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and appropriate Blue Cards. Queensland Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy advises that commercial tourism operators who meet eligibility criteria should submit an expression of interest by 5pm on Monday 7th June.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe notes “we want to offer a quality experience to school students, so operators will need to be recognised as a High Standard Tourism Operator by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority or a Best of Queensland Experience by Tourism and Events Queensland.”

Minister Healy added “for some 6,500 Queensland students, the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program will turn the reef into the state’s biggest classroom and increase bookings for local reef tour business.

“There’s no better way to learn about the about the biology and protection of the reef than snorkelling the reef, sea kayaking or taking in a glass bottom boat experience with a Queensland tourism operator.

“The Reef Education Program will deliver a boost for the reef tour industry and accommodation providers.

“It’s an initiative that works on many levels from stronger community understanding of the reef to inspiring a new generation of Queensland students to aim for careers in reef sciences.”

Minister Hinchliffe advised “we expect thousands of Queensland primary and secondary students will get to explore the reef from Far North Queensland to the southern reef.

“The three-year program provides up to $150 per student, paid directly to schools, toward the cost of a school excursion which includes a reef experience.

“We know there is enormous interest in this program among commercial reef tourism operators.”

Applications will open soon for Queensland primary and secondary school excursions from the start of term three this year and will run for three-years, or until funding is exhausted.

For further information including how to submit an expression of interest, click here.