The Guardian of the Reef platform allows incentive organisers to encourage delegates to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef before their arrival and make a donation to reef conservation.

“Delegates will learn about conservation with a series of short educational videos and fast facts to understand the issues facing the Great Barrier Reef and how they can help it simply by visiting,” says Tara Bennett, general manager, partnerships and events, Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

“Guardian of the Reef was developed by Tourism Tropical North Queensland in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority [by] blending science and environmental education with Indigenous wisdom to link travellers with sustainable tourism experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.

“It is another initiative that shows how the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef destination works together to further sustainability in our community.”

Incentive groups can contribute to sustainability initiatives in the region through tree planting and wildlife rehabilitation.

“Carbon offsets are being made through tree planting for Australia Next 2024 at the Cairns Convention Centre, on September 9-11, which will revegetate local wildlife corridors for the Lumholtz tree kangaroo,” says Bennett.

“Australia Next delegates will not only connect great in Cairns, they will leave greater knowing their visit has been planned to tread lightly with the use of electric buses, no single-use plastic and the tree planting partnership with Reforest.

“This focus on sustainability extends to the menu at the event, with 80 per cent of its food sourced within an hour of Cairns city, including tea, coffee, vegetables and rice.

“The Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region is the most eco-certified destination in Australia with 72 active eco-certified companies and 27 businesses undertaking the process with Ecotourism Australia.”

Spice will be attending Australia Next 2024 and supports the Guardian of the Reef initiative.