A preliminary investigation into tourists’ reactions to coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef

Coral reefs are attractive but sensitive ecosystems that contain a fascinating variety of organisms which makes them a significant pull factor for tourists. The 2015/16 Pacific El Niño event led to extensive coral bleaching in many reef systems including parts of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This paper reports on the results of a monitoring program that aimed to study tourists’ perceptions on the impact of the 2016 bleaching event. A self-administered survey was conducted between January and June 2016. Preliminary findings indicate that there was a decline in the level of satisfaction with some aspects of respondents’ visit to the GBR particularly pre-trip expectations. Given the short-term nature of the findings it is not clear if satisfaction will rebound in the long-term.