Do you know there are more than 2 million tourists visiting the reef annually? Let’s take a look at why the Great Barrier Reef is so unique and how it’s able to attract so many tourists. We have done some research online and found out the main reasons why people visited the Great Barrier Reef.
How Popular is the Great barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is very popular, it generates close to AUD$6 billion per year to the Australian economy and it creates more than 60,000 full time jobs.
Why is the great barrier reef so popular
The Great Barrier Reef is popular not only because the reef itself is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, also it is the home to thousands of species of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and coral, which makes it a absolutely unique and fascinating ecosystem to explore.
- Seeing one of the seven natural wonders of the world
- You can take a snorkelling tour to the outer reef and seeing so the spectacular coloured coral and tropical fish, you can also swim with the turtles. (According to the official site, there are 1625 types of fish and 600 types of coral)
- You can enjoy a helicopter ride over the reef
- Experience the tropical climate
What can People see at the Great Barrier Reef
- One third of the world’s coral species
- Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle;
- Giant clams more than 120 years old;
- One of the world’s most important dugong populations;
- More than 1,500 species of fish;
- More than 3,000 species of molluscs (shells);
- 630 species of echinoderm (starfish and sea urchins);
- 14 breeding species of sea snakes;
- 215 species of birds, including 22 species of seabirds and 32
species of shorebirds - 30 species of whales and dolphins; and
- 133 species of sharks and rays
What do people do at the great barrier reef?
Most people visit the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling so that they can explore the colourful underwater world. There are also other popular activities at the Great Barrier Reef such as boat tours, kayaking, and helicopter tours. For those who prefer to stay dry on the surface, boat tours and glass-bottom boat rides are the perfect way to take in the sights of the reef without getting wet.
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Cruising
- Sailing
- Island and mainland resorts
- Coastal land and waterways tours
- Scenic flights
- Day tours
- Multi-day expeditions and cruises
How many people visit the Great Barrier Reef?
Best time to Visit the Great Barrier Reef
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is around May, August and October. Great Barrier Reef is best known for its underwater activities, people tend to visit when the water temperatures are pleasant for swimming, less rain and higher underwater visibility.
Australia rainy season is from Nov to Apr, which means less people will choose to visit the Great Barrier Reef during this time.
How many tourists visit the great barrier reef?
According to the official website, tourism visitation to the entire Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for the financial year ending 30 June 2022 was reported as 1,391,231 visitor days.
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