| Publication Name |
The Cairns Post |
| Date |
20 Feb 2008 |
| Article Title |
Top handbook on the way |
| Author |
David Sexton |
| Synopsis |
Article on the expected outcomes of the collaborative research project funded by MTSRF. |
Full Text
Researchers from James Cook University are working with World Heritage land managers and the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry collecting information with a view to producing a handbook for professional tour guides working within the Wet Tropics World Heritage area.
Rob Giason, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) said, “This project, funded by the Australian government's Marine and Tropical Science Research Facility, is pursuing best practice information gathered from tour operators, tour guides and Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers."
Some 27 sites used by the tourism industry within the Wet Tropics World Heritage area will be included within the handbook. Where applicable the handbook will include maps as well as provide accurate information on all aspects of each site.
"It is also encouraging from the industry's perspective to note that the much used and highly regarded "Tropical Topics" originally produced by QPWS will be incorporated into the publication. The industry has been seeking continuation of this publication for many years, ever since QPWS discontinued its production," said Mr Giason.
The project will take some 12 months to evolve and will include such aspects as a safety section that covers a range of relevant topics from stinging trees to cassowary attacks. There will also be an annotated bibliography to assist professional guides in continuing their own research on specific topics.
“This is a very useful project," concluded Mr Giason. "Such cooperative research helps establish Tropical North Queensland as a leading-edge destination where authenticity and in-depth interpretation is high on the tourism industry’s agenda.
