REEF: Tourism Operator Training Program

Overview

Funding of up to $520,000 will be provided directly to the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators Limited (AMPTO) to develop and deliver a Train the Trainer Program to Reef Tourism Operator staff.   This program is based on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) developed Eye on the Reef and Be a Marine Biologist for a Day Australian curriculum-linked reef education products. These products will equip Reef Tourism Operator staff with the ability to deliver, and train their colleagues in delivering, reef education to school groups.  The objectives of this program are to:   cover up to 50% of the cost of the development and delivery of the Train the Trainer Program to Reef Tourism Operators  address challenges in consistent staff skill development and retention due to seasonality   build sector capability to provide reef education to school groups  support Reef Tourism Operators to deliver products/activities that have direct links to the Australian Curriculum to assist with welcoming school groups  raise awareness of the Great Barrier Reef environment and highlight the availability and importance of sustainable tourism. Reef Tourism Operators that participate in training under the REEF: Tourism Operator Training Program will be required to participate in the REEF: Kids for the Reef School Excursion Rebate program by registering with Austrade as an eligible experience provider, allowing schools to book eligible experiences to qualify for the excursion rebate. AMPTO and reef tourism operators that benefit from this program must contribute towards the REEF: Tourism Operator Training Program. The grant amount will be up to 50% of total eligible costs with a maximum grant value of $520,000.