The Ningaloo Reef and surrounding area already attracts a significant number of international and domestic tourists. Around 200,000 people visit the visitors a year come to this remarkable location to enjoy the Ningaloo experience - snorkelling on coral reefs just metres off the shore, warm sunny winter days, diving with gigantic whale sharks, walking on beaches, whale watching, fishing and camping. A recent study by Curtin University showed the value of Ningaloo Marine Park to the local economy. Ningaloo Marine Park was considered by visitors to be the most important tourist attraction in the Exmouth area - more than 80 per cent of those surveyed said Ningaloo Marine Park was a reason for visiting Exmouth. An estimated $127 million a year is spent by tourists and this, according to a study by the Sustainable Tourism Co-operative is directly attributed to the Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park. The World Heritage nomination and potential listing will increase interest in the area. This may lead to an increase in tourist visitation by both Australian and international travelers.