THE Far North will host a major international ecotourism conference next year.

Convener Tony Charters said, with one of the highest concentrations of ecotourism operators in the world, Cairns and Port Douglas were ideal venues for the 20th Global Eco Asia Pacific Tourism conference next year.

The event attracts 250 delegates from throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

"With two World Heritage areas on the doorstep and the Great Barrier Reef linking with the Coral Triangle, often referred to as the Amazon of the Sea, it is not surprising this area has one of the highest concentrations of ecotourism operators in the world," Mr Charters said.

Although Australia was a pioneer in ecotourism, he said it needed to keep up with global trends.

‘‘With the stunning array of natural landscapes we have and the need for jobs and low-carbon export industries, ecotourism should be a ‘no-brainer’ for this country.

"With the rising middle class of Asia on our doorstep there is a growing demand for high-quality, authentic opportunities for people to connect with nature and escape the pressures of fast-paced urban life.

"Ecotourism has the potential to provide jobs and protect the environment at the same time as being a major plank in an export-oriented, low-carbon economy.

"Our challenge is to engage governments and to place this economic opportunity at the centre of public debate.

‘‘This industry needs a long-term commitment from governments for infrastructure and to actively engage private enterprise.

‘‘It cannot be seen as a quick fix when the resource sector slumps, and with the realities of climate change already apparent, it is no longer a niche or fringe concept."

The conference will be held in October or November with dates and venues to be finalised in coming months.

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