The Wet Tropics Management Authority, in partnership with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, and Tourism and Events Queensland is building on the success of previous tour guide training programs to develop the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides.
The importance of well-trained, professional tour guides is widely appreciated, and the Wet Tropics Sustainable Tourism Plan 2021–2031 (the Plan) identified the critical need for accessible information and training to support their development, including Indigenous tour guides, to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality experiences. This includes promoting understanding of the Wet Tropics' outstanding natural and cultural values, and connecting visitors with those in appropriate ways.
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides addresses several actions under the six key goals of the Plan and will deliver directly on action 5.1: Evolve the Wet Tropics Tour Guide Program.
Developing the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides is led by a series of principles that:
A brand strategy has been developed for the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides, featuring a brand-mark that represents iconic aspects of the Wet Tropics as well as the human involvement and knowledge sharing integral to the program.
These design elements come together with a colour palette inspired by the natural environment, including the outer shell of the cassowary egg, and the official name and tagline:
The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides will be delivered through an online learning platform and supported by a range of professional development resources providing opportunities for face-to-face learning and assessment.
With the concept planning completed and brand strategy confirmed, the content design and online build is underway. Key stakeholders and subject matter experts continue to inform the detail. The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides is expected to launch in 2024.
For more information on the development of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides, please email guides@wtma.qld.gov.au or call 07 4241 0500.