On behalf of the Great Barrier Reef, Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) in Australia has partnered with American travel technology company Expedia in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia to introduce ‘Guardian of the Reef’ programme. 

According to a press statement by Expedia, ‘Guardian of the Reef’ is a new platform that promotes reef-positive travel and rewards travellers for learning about the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral in the world, but which is highly endangered due to climate change and mass tourism. 

Expedia says that conservation-curious travellers can visit a new website featuring short educational videos and fact cards. 

As they complete each module, they earn coupons for Expedia bookings. 

Conservation-curious travellers can visit a new website featuring short educational videos and fact cards

The statement adds that upon finishing all the modules, participants are entered to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and unlock other exclusive experiences. 

These include staying at Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefstays with Cruise Whitsundays, to join a Master Reef Guide for a private Guided Snorkel Safari. 

Mark Olsen

“The opportunity to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and discounts through Expedia are among the rewards for travellers who take the time to understand the reef’s natural and cultural significance as well as the threats it faces so that they choose to travel with eco-certified experiences committed to its future,” says TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen. 

“This world-first programme gives global reach to the mantra of ‘See it. Love it. Protect it.’ Our Great Barrier Reef operators see this every day when their passengers walk away from their Great Barrier Reef experience with a new appreciation of the diversity and beauty of the world’s largest ecosystem and a greater understanding of the current health of the reef,” says Eric Fisher, Marine biologist and Master Reef Guide.  

As part of the partnership with TTNQ, Expedia will make a USD 50,000 donation to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to further extend the support in the health of the Great Barrier Reef and existing conservation efforts.  

Aditi Mohapatra

“Expedia Group’s recent Sustainable Travel Study revealed that 90 pc of travellers prioritise sustainability, indicating their concern about the environmental impact they leave behind. To help, Expedia is partnering with Tourism Tropical North Queensland to offer an interactive way to learn about and support the Great Barrier Reef while earning travel discounts along the way,” says Aditi Mohapatra, Vice President of Global Social Impact and Sustainability for Expedia Group. 

“We believe travel is a force for good and we are proud to support the Great Barrier Reef Foundation with a donation to advance reef conservations,” she adds. 

The statement adds that the programme, developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority (Reef Authority), links travellers to eco-certified operators accredited through Ecotourism Australia, EarthCheck or the Zoo and Aquarium Association. 

Expedia says that Reef Authority works in consultation with the 70 Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Traditional Owner groups along the Great Barrier Reef and ensures dedicated reef operators work closely with the scientific and management communities.