The Wet Tropics Tourism Network

The Network is a new forum-style meeting where the tourism industry, industry stakeholders and individuals can converse with the Wet Tropics Management Authority on projects and current issues related to nature-based tourism in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

The Wet Tropics Tourism Network (WTTN) was established in 2011 and provides a key point of contact between the Wet Tropics Management Authority and those who utilize the World Heritage Area. The Network builds upon the established Tourism Industry Liaison Group, TILG.

WTTN meetings provide a formal channel of communication where participants can advise and provide comment to WTMA on policy directions, projects and strategies, specifically regarding tourism matters.
The focus of the Network is to facilitate partnerships and cooperation in presenting World Heritage Values and as a result, further strengthening and developing the Wet Tropics tourism industry. Furthermore, it is envisaged smaller, task-oriented ‘focus groups’ be convened from within the Network, on an ‘as required’ basis.

It is expected that the Network will comprise of representatives from the tourism industry, government agencies, conservation groups, individuals and Rainforest Aboriginal people.  Interest from other tourism-related stakeholders will be warmly welcomed. Establishing an effective ‘sounding board’ resource that is actively engaged with and supported by the Wet Tropics community, will enable WTMA to work in partnership with those who have ownership, management and business interests in and around the WTWHA. The new Wet Tropics Tourism Network will ensure WTMA is able to effectively deliver on its community engagement strategy by working closely with various stakeholder groups. The meetings will be chaired by WTMA’s Executive Director, Andrew Maclean who is also WTMA’s representative on the Northern Tourism Industry Forum. 

For further information and to register your interest in joining the Network, please contact WTMA via the Network’s secretary via email at:
Network Secretary: simone.wilson@derm.qld.gov.au
To join the Network:

• Download a copy of WTMA Contacts Database form
• Complete and return the form to the Network Secretary, indicating that you would like to join the Tourism Network meetings.
• If you have agenda items, you can forward them to the Secretary at anytime.  Be sure to write ‘Tourism Network Discussion Item’ in the email subject line*
• WTMA will notify you when a meeting has been scheduled.
• When a meeting is announced, RSVP your interest to attend. 
• Please note a limited number of seats (approx. 20) are available at each meeting; however attendance should always reflect a balance of representatives which will be ultimately determined by WTMA.

Examples of discussion topics:

• Accreditation of Guides in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
• Cairns World Heritage Gateway Centre
• Wet Tropics National Landscapes application

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