Community
30 September, 2024
New cat for operator
TWO-time Tripadvisor winner of Australia’s best experience, Port Douglas’s ABC Snorkel Charters, has received $1.6 million Growing Future Tourism funding to double its fleet with a new $3.5 million custom-built catamaran to offer more exclusive, small group sustainable Reef tours.
The tourism venture will also use the grant to buy a new Airberth Boat Lift system to assist with berthing and maintenance.
ABC Snorkel Charters managing director Jay Wink thanked the Queensland Government “for supporting us in the purchase of our new catamaran and boat lift system”.
“This partnership will allow us to share the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef with more visitors who are also interested in ensuring their visit adds to reef protection and environmental awareness,” he said.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said “ABC Snorkel Charters’ commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental protection on the Great Barrier Reef has earned it rave reviews from its guests”.
“Port Douglas is a world-famous tourist destination and a gateway to the World Heritage-listed Reef and rainforest, it’s great to see this support for our local operators,” she said.
Four ecotourism projects across the state will share in the $15m second round of Growing Future Tourism funding. Projects also include a new resort on Hook Island, a luxury Granite Belt vineyard experience and a Gold Coast farm stay. They are expected to leverage almost $46m in private investment, supporting an estimated 187 jobs during planning and construction and 171 ongoing operational jobs.
Due for completion in March 2027, the four projects are also expected to attract 95,000 extra visitors each year who’ll spend an additional $60.7m.
Tourism Minister Michael Healy said “Growing Future Tourism is focused on supporting the development of new and enhanced infrastructure and experiences that will make Queensland Australia’s destination of choice for world class experiences by 2032”.
“The four projects to be successful this round will deliver outstanding experiences that vary from exclusive, high-end reef tours in Port Douglas to family friendly farm stays on the Gold Coast,” he said.
