ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the need for coral reef destinations facing potential long-term decline as coral cover is reduced by coral bleaching to transition to new tourism experiences. The key data presented in the chapter are based on an 18-month study of tourists’ attitudes towards aspects of their visit to the Great Barrier Reef and concerns about coral bleaching. The most important finding of the chapter is that destinations relying on nature-based attractions as their main selling proposition need to engage in discussions about the extent to which their nature-based assets are likely to be threatened by climate change events, such as coral bleaching, and how the destination should respond to enhance long-term economic, community and environmental sustainability.
