Tourism and Protected Areas Forum (TAPAF)

The Tourism and Parks Agency Forum (TAPAF) is a collaborative, information-sharing network that brings together state and federal park agencies alongside state and federal tourism organisations. Meeting quarterly, TAPAF plays a key role in advancing responsible tourism and supporting the sustainable use and management of Australia’s national parks.  

Purpose 

The Tourism and Parks Agency Forum (TAPAF) was created to explore the significant range of environmental, social, and economic benefits of nature-based tourism. TAPAF provides a national platform that enables collaboration between tourism and park agencies at both the state and federal levels. It supports the alignment of tourism growth within national parks, ensuring sustainable access while protecting the natural and cultural values of Australia’s landscapes.  

TAPAF encourages policy alignment, national-level coordination, sharing of best practices, and strategic dialogue across jurisdictions and agencies responsible for tourism and national parks.  

Objectives  

• TAPAF supports the growth of tourism that protects biodiversity, cultural values, and contributes meaningfully to conservation. It encourages tourism models that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable across Australia’s national parks. 

• By connecting state, territory and federal tourism organisations and park agencies, TAPAF promotes a coordinated, nationally consistent approach to managing visitor access and promoting sustainable tourism in Australia’s national parks. 

• TAPAF enhances visitor experiences by exchanging ideas to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of experiences in Australia’s national parks.  

• TAPAF informs strategic policy and planning contributing to national strategies such as THRIVE 2030 strategy, helping to shape frameworks that influence tourism in national parks.