MTSRF
Project 4.9.2
Drivers, trends and management tools for tourism in Wet Tropics rainforests
Project Leader: Prof Bruce Prideaux, JCU
This MTSRF-funded project investigated aspects of the visitor experience at ten sites across the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Specific elements of the visitor experience include socio demographic characteristics of visitors, the facilities used, activities undertaken, visitor perceptions of the environmental quality of sites and suggestions for improvements. The most popular activities undertaken varied between sites but generally included observing the scenery, short walks, swimming where available, photography and relaxing. Respondents were very positive about their experiences and few problems were identified. In summary the results were a positive endorsement of the standards of visitor sites in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This project has also given rise to the first-ever Tour Guide Handbook to the Wet Tropics Rainforests, a training resource aimed at providing local rainforest tour guides with accurate, relevant information about the region and its World Heritage values, which they can then use to further enhance visitor experiences.
Publications
Report Series No. 59 - Carmody, J. (2011) Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area Tour Guide Handbook
Report Series No. 55 - Carmody, J. and Prideaux, B. (2011) Sustainable Nature Based Tourism: Planning and Management. Reports on visitation and use at selected Wet Tropics tourism sites, 2009/2010 (Set of 10 site reports)
Executive Summary to Site Reports: Report on Visitation and Use, 2009/2010
Site Report 1 - Report on Visitation and Use at Emmagen Creek, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 2 - Report on Visitation and Use at Kulki, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 3 - Report on Visitation and Use at Dubuji, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 4 - Report on Visitation and Use at Mossman Gorge, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 5 - Report on Visitation and Use at Barron Falls, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 6 - Report on Visitation and Use at Lake Tinaroo, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 7 - Report on Visitation and Use at Henrietta Creek, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 9 - Report on Visitation and Use at Wallaman Falls, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Site Report 10 - Report on Visitation and Use at Paluma, Far North Queensland, 2009/2010
Report Series No. 19 - Carmody, J. and Prideaux, B. (2008) Community Attitudes, Perceptions, Knowledge and Use of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area in 2007
Report by James Cook Universtiy researchers on the sustainable use of rainforest resources by the tourism industry, and methods for monitoring visitors at the site level as well as community perceptions of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.