Special Interest Tourism Nicos Rodosthenous PhD 29/10/ /10/20131Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism 1. The changing nature of regional areas Global social and economic change is placing pressure on rural and regional communities. The changing nature of regional economies and rural lifestyles is being driven by:  More efficient agricultural practices  New technologies  Free or less restricted trade 29/10/20132Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism  Decline of traditional industries  Widening gaps between rich and poor  Rising unemployment  New and different employment opportunities  Faster and more comfortable transport  Increased environmental awareness  These social and economic changes have led to pressure on governments to ‘ do something ’ about the declining fortunes of rural and regional areas. 29/10/20133Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism To address these issues, governments in Australia and in other countries are focusing increased attention on regional development. Regional tourism is a key issue, since most domestic visitor nights are spent outside the capital cities. A further important factor for the tourism industry is strong consumer demand for natural and cultural attractions in both domestic and international markets. 29/10/20134Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism Both, the tourism industry and governments are interested in finding ways to optimize tourism’s economic and social contribution in regional areas. 2. What is Regional tourism? Defining a ‘region’ is merely a device for identifying a spatial unit for description and analysis. Economic, social or cultural links may be another way to define the boundaries of a region. 29/10/20135Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism Regional tourism encompasses tourism in ‘concentrated tourist areas’, coastal resorts, towns and the countryside. It does not rely on particular activities or experiences; its character is determined by the places where tourism occurs. It may include rural tourism, nature-based tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, educational tourism and the like. 29/10/20136Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism 29/10/20137Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism 3. Regional tourism in Australia – an overview. Tourism accounted for more than 11% of Australia’s GDP, gross domestic product and contributed 14.9% of total exports and 61.7% of all service exports. Tourism employs more than people, 8% of all employed people. Regional tourism accounts more than 60% of domestic and international visitor nights. 29/10/20138Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism The most popular destinations for Australians are the major capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Only 30% of the international visitor nights were spent outside capital cities compared with the 70% of domestic visitor nights. Queensland’s Gold Coast is the most popular destination in regional Australia, followed by the Great Ocean Road region in Victoria. 29/10/20139Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism In summary, more than 230 million visitor nights were spent in non-capital regions of Australia, which is about 60% of all international and domestic visitor nights. 4. Impacts of Regional tourism 4.1 Economic impacts: Economic diversification: will help regional economies to sustain local people affected by a decline in traditional industries. Tourism also uses existing resources, i.e. wine and food tourism is a good example how it can 29/10/201310Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism benefit traditional rural industries. Tourism consumption is generated by importing customers to the product at its place of production rather than exporting product to customers as most industries do. Tourists may even get new tastes for some of the products helping to build demand and develop export markets. Tourism also attracts investments in commercial 29/10/201311Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism and residential property and creates work for building and construction industries. New enterprise development: the potential beneficiaries of tourism activity are spread across various sectors of the regional economy, as are opportunities for new enterprise development in the provision of services, accommodation, cafes and restaurants, tours and local attractions. Almost 80% of employment is in the regional places. 29/10/201312Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism Income and employment growth: tourism activity will benefit regional economies through the demand created by visitors for local goods and services. This direct expenditure by visitors has a positive impact on business profitability and employment growth in regional areas. Rates and taxes: regional tourism generates income for businesses, for individuals in the form of wages and share earnings and taxes for the local government. 29/10/201313Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism This income contributes to the quality and quantity of local services and facilities provided for the benefit of both local residents and visitors. Investment and infrastructure development: tourism can act as a catalyst for increased investment in services and infrastructure such as transport, power and water supply, environmental protection, communication, fire and sporting facilities. 29/10/201314Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism The ability of tourism for regional development will depend on a broad range of economic, social and political factors, through coordinated efforts of local communities, government agencies and the tourism industry. 4.2 Environmental impacts A positive aspect of tourism as an agent of regional economic and social development is to offer a more ecologically sustainable form of development. 29/10/201315Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism Regional tourism can also increase the environmental awareness of both visitors and regional communities and protect the natural and cultural environment with SIT programs. Sustainable development: there is a mutual and supportive relationship between tourism and environment. It contributes to the economic development of local communities by conserving natural and cultural environments and providing visitors enjoyable and satisfied travel experiences. 29/10/201316Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism Increasing environmental awareness: there is growing consumer demand for nature-based experiences, heritage and cultural attractions. Regional tourism can be a major beneficiary if planned and managed tourism development is applied at regional destinations and satisfy environmentally aware customers. Environmental conservation: provides benefits for natural and cultural conservation including: 29/10/201317Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism  An incentive to expand protected areas  An incentive for private land owners to conserve their lands  The provision of funds for research and to manage and restore natural lands and wildlife.  The education of visitors for the protection of the area and/or their respect for the culture after visitation.  The provision of ecologically sustainable employment. 29/10/201318Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism 4.3 Socio-cultural impacts In addition of being an economic issue, tourism is also a socio-cultural issue, since residents share their local resources with tourists. A positive relationship between residents and visitors can contribute to the growth of regional tourism. Infrastructure, services and quality of life As tourism industry grows, new and expanded services and facilities cater to both visitors and local residents. 29/10/201319Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism Tourism can support a wider range and better quality of community services than the resident population. Community pride: may increase in residents’ awareness of and interest in their region, along with maintenance or revival of traditional cultural activities, like festivals. Conservation of cultural heritage: tourism enables conservation of important elements of the cultural heritage of an area. It also increases community awareness and pride in local heritage and reinforces cultural identity. 29/10/201320Dr Nicos Rodosthenous

Analyse Regional tourism This may result in conservation of historic sites, handicrafts, festivals and financial assistance for museums and theatres. Regional tourism also provides opportunities to experience different places and cultures. This culture exchange can increase the opportunities for social contact of people in isolated communities. All these may enhance the quality of life of regional communities. Good planning is the key to achieving the best outcomes for a community. 29/10/201321Dr Nicos Rodosthenous