Tourism and mining groups have welcomed a UNESCO recommendation that the Great Barrier Reef be left off the World Heritage in danger list, but environmental activists say it's still a red flag.

The draft decision from the United Nations' conservation agency is being seen as a reprieve for the Queensland and federal governments, despite it flagging concerns about the reef's poor outlook.

UNESCO's warned that the in danger label isn't off the cards if progress isn't made in the area.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council says the decision signals faith in Australia's ability to manage the ancient environmental site.