Wet Tropics tour guide program to reinvigorate region's tourism industry

The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides, a new tour guide training program to showcase the wonders of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is live this week to reinvigorate tourism in the Wet Tropics region and set a new benchmark for delivering world-class visitor experiences.

Alongside to the Master Reef Guides which has created a tourism industry best practice for the reef, or as the Savannah Guides have done across the country, the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides will be an exceptional tour guide training for people in the tourism industry in the Wet Tropics.

The free, self-paced online course is designed for people passionate about sharing the unique natural and cultural values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The program aims to enhance the professionalism and capability of guides at all levels of the tourism industry, ensuring visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of this globally significant landscape.

Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) Board Director and CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council Natassia Wheeler said she is excited to announce the launch of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides, an exemplar model for tour guide training in a World Heritage Area.

“It will support and empower the Wet Tropics tourism industry to not just survive, but to thrive,” Ms Wheeler said.

“The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides enhances World Heritage presentation and interpretation through powerful storytelling and world-class experience delivery.”

The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides will support tourism professionals in developing a deeper understanding of the unique natural and cultural wonders of this globally significant place.

Importantly, the program also promotes greater respect for Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, Country, and culture, by providing consistent, accurate and culturally appropriate information. Participants will gain the tools to craft compelling and authentic stories – bringing the Wet Tropics to life in ways that educate, engage and inspire visitors.

The Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides is delivered in partnership between WTMA, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and Tourism and Events Queensland. 

Director-General of the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Trish O’Callaghan said the Queensland Government is backing initiatives such as the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides, which is critical to give visitors that next level experience.

“We want to support our tourism industry, and it's initiatives like this training that will set up our visitor experiences to be globally recognised. It is also about supporting our environment and creating champions of the future,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland Craig Davidson said nature is at the heart of Queensland's tourism story and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides will enable authentic storytelling, helping showcase our stunning world class natural beauty and delivering tourism that genuinely cares for people and place.

“Through this initiative, guides will not just inform, but inspire, creating experiences that stay with visitors long after they leave,” Mr Davidson said.

“It is also about respect—empowering Traditional Owners and local communities to share their stories and shape how we welcome the world.

“Together, we are setting a leading example for sustainable, meaningful tourism and that's what makes Queensland and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides so special.”

To register and for more information about the Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides visit: www.wettropics.gov.au/world-heritage-guides 

Published: 04th Jul 2025