Expedia and Tourism Tropical North Queensland Partner To Help Protect Great Barrier Reef

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 8:25 PM ET, Thu September 5, 2024

Expedia is embarking on a new partnership that's meant to help protect the iconic Great Barrier Reef by educating travelers about reef-friendly behavoir and rewarding individuals who spend time brushing up their eco-friendly skills with travel credits.

The travel booking platform today announced that it's joining forces with Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) to introduce this new effort, which will be centered around a website called “Guardian of the Reef.”

The the new website will be used to promote “reef-positive travel.”

“Conservation-curious travelers can visit a new website featuring short educational videos and fact cards,” says a press release issued today about the project.

As website visitors complete each learning module on the platform, they earn coupons for Expedia bookings. Upon finishing all modules, participants are entered to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and can also unlock other exclusive experiences.

Those experiences range from a stay in Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefstay with Cruise Whitsundays, to joining a Master Reef Guide for a private guided Snorkel Safari.

“The opportunity to win a trip to the Great Barrier Reef and discounts through Expedia are among the rewards for travelers 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,” TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said in a statement.

Marine Biologist and Master Reef Guide, Eric Fisher applauded the new effort.

“This world-first program gives global reach to the mantra of ‘See it. Love it. Protect it’” said Fisher. “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.”

Also as part of the newly inked partnership with TTNQ, Expedia will make a $50,000 donation to The Great Barrier Reef Foundation to further extend the support in the health of the Great Barrier Reef and the existing conservation efforts.

“Expedia Group’s recent Sustainable Travel Study revealed that 90 percent of travelers prioritize sustainability, indicating their concern about the environmental impact they leave behind,” Aditi Mohapatra, vice president of Global Social Impact & Sustainability for Expedia Group, said in a statement.

The new program was developed in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority (Reef Authority). In addition to the educational component, the platform links travelers to eco-certified operators that are accredited through Ecotourism Australia, EarthCheck or the Zoo and Aquarium Association.

To earn travel credits and learn about eco-friendly travel to The Great Barrier Reef visit the Guardian of the Reef website.