Cairns and Port Douglas in northern Queensland, home to the Great Barrier Reef, will play host to the 20th Global Eco Asia Pacific Tourism conference in 2012. The event will bring together 250 delegates from Australia and the Asia Pacific region, to a destination with more ecotourism operators than anywhere else in the world. The event aims to reinvigorate the niche sector which Australia famously pioneered, but has seen its leadership role dissipate in recent years. Tony Charters of Global Eco Asia Pacific, said; “Having just about invented ecotourism, Australia has lost its way in recent years, and with the stunning array of natural landscapes we have and the need for jobs and low carbon export industries, ecotourism should be a ‘no-brainer’ for this country. ”
“With the rising middle class of Asia on our doorstep there is a growing demand for high quality, authentic opportunities for people to connect with nature and escape the pressures of fast-paced, urban life.”
The conference will be held in October or November, with dates to be finalised in coming months.