Tourism New Caledonia hopes a UNESCO world heritage listing of the territory's reef will draw thousands of new visitors to the area.
The decision to recognise 15,000 square kilometres of the world's second largest coral reef was made at a Unesco meeting in Canada on Monday.
Tourism New Caledonia's general manager, Patrick Moisan, says the listing will be beneficial for the territory.
"We promote the destination with all the different attractions we have to foreign tourists, whether it's a beach destination, or of course a diving destination, eco-tourism destination, it will only help us send stronger messages to the market."
Patrick Moisan
The president, Harold Martin, says it's a big step, which will bring many benefits.
