Visitor experiences, values and images of Whitehaven Bay - an assessment of perceived conditions

Abstract

At present, recreation and tourism are major and growing uses of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Visitors are attracted to the Great Barrier Reef from all over the world to experience the beautiful islands, beaches and coral reefs. The management of this region is the responsibility of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, who are faced with the challenge of preventing unacceptable impacts of tourism while ensuring equitable resource allocations and sustained multiple use. The Authority's goals are achieved through the development of plans of management, the provision of zoning and allocation of individual permits.