Barrier Reef best travel place

The Great Barrier Reef has taken away one of reality tourism's almost
desirable awards.



The GBR - the reality's largest living organism - was
voted the better travel place by the World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC) as region of its Tourism for Tomorrow awards, at an observance
in Lisbon, Portugal, overnight.

Describing the win as a "major coup", Queensland Tourism
Industry Council (QTIC) chief executive officer Daniel Gschwind
said the award was considered the foremost accolade for sustainable
tourism.

He said the reef topped more than 130 entries from 40 countries
across seven continents.

"I believe the pure size and variety of nature, it is then dramatic to
view and to have, that is what makes (the reef) then particular," Mr
Gschwind said.

"It is an experience that leaves no one unaffected. When
you stay your chief under water it is just something that you will
likely recall for the remainder of your living. "We seek to have
certain that many much folk and subsequent generations can get that
kind of experience."

Mr Gschwind said the prize was the climax of efforts by industry,
regime and environmental stakeholders to guarantee the GBR is protected
for the future.

"Marine operators and industry organisations, including QTIC,
have worked intensely and cooperatively with the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to ensue the long term
sustainability of the reef while building a world class tourism
industry" Mr Gschwind said.

"At a time when environmental concerns are rising, not least
over the impact of climate change, this is shining example of how
the tourism industry, government and conservation can work together
in addressing the challenges."

The GBR marine park is the world's largest heritage site.

It is estimated to generate $5 billion in tourism earnings each
year and supports up to 50,000 jobs along the Queensland coast.

OK, for today best travel place is the Great Barrier Reef.