Visitor strategic response project (B2.2)

Task leader: Dr Gianna Moscardo, James Cook University.

Task associates:
Mr Col McKenzie, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators
Mr James Innes, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The Visitor Strategic Response Project was designed to respond to shorter term specific research needs related to socio-economic aspects of tourism and recreation in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

The objective of this project is to conduct strategic issue and/or site specific studies of visitor behaviour, perceptions or responses to management actions as requested by stakeholders. Specific research projects for each year of the project will be decided in consultation with key stakeholders.

First Research Activity (February 2001)

This project investigated visitors’ evaluations of reef pontoon facilities. This study provided information for reef operators when considering new pontoons or changes to existing pontoons.

Second Research Activity (May 2001)

The objective of this project was to develop and test a visual preference method for measuring visitor judgements of acceptable changes in Great Barrier Reef use. The relevance of this project is that one of the highest priority information needs identified by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is to have research information to support a Limit to Acceptable Change approach to managing GBR settings. Thus, this project aimed to develop and test a method to gather this research information with respect to visitors as users of the Marine Park.

Third Research Activity (July 2002)

The major objectives of this project were to understand the factors associated with GBR visitation and non-visitation and the changing trends in reef tourism in the Cairns region.

The third of the visitor strategic response projects was undertaken in May and July 2002. The major objectives of this project were to understand the factors associated with GBR visitation and the changing trends in reef tourism. The data summary report for this project – Understanding Barriers to Reef Visitation in the Cairns Region. Preliminary Report – is now available at the B2.2 Publications page.

Fourth Research Activity (2003)

The aims of this study, which involve a telephone survey, are as follows:

• To gather information on independent recreational use of the GBR to match data gathered from reef visitors on commercial tour operations through Task B2.1.1. Specifically to gather information on reef experience satisfaction, use characteristics and site quality ratings.

• To explore the factors that influence independent recreational users' choice of reef sites to visit. Such research will contribute to the development of more specific indicators for monitoring the quality of the reef experience for these users.