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The Great Barrier Reef has been honoured with one of the most sought-after awards in the travel industry.

The world's largest living organism has long been a popular attraction for tourists but now it has been officially recognised as the best destination at the World Travel and Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow awards.

Officials in Australia are extremely pleased with the award which was handed to the reef ahead of 130 other sites around the world.

'I think the sheer size and diversity of nature, it is so spectacular to see and to experience, that is what makes so special,' chief executive of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council Daniel Gschwind told the Australian Associated Press.

'It is an experience that leaves no one untouched. When you stick your head under water it is just something that you will probably remember for the rest of your life.

'We want to make sure that many more people and future generations can have that sort of experience,' he added.

Mr Gschwind went on to say that the protection of the reef is paramount and that work by government, the industry and environmentalists has helped to keep it safe up till now.

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