Climate change fatigue is taking over
The travel industry needs to recognise that environmentally sustainable tourism is not a niche tourism sector but the basis for its very survival.
The warning comes from Ecotourism Australia’s CEO Kym Cheatham in delivering the opening speech at the Global Eco Asia Pacific 2011 Conference in Sydney last week.
“We are seeing a climate change ‘fatigue’ set into the community and business as environmental concerns become political and economic rather than decisions of responsible ethical and caring people…” Ms Cheatham warned.
“We are also seeing reluctance to recognise nature tourism and ecotourism as more than a special interest or niche despite Tourism Australia research released earlier this year showed that “Nature in Australia” rated number one in being motivating, appealing, exciting and relevant to international and domestic travellers.”
She said the industry was not getting the most out of ecotourism. She stressed “there is substantial consumer interest which could be converted into demand… that research is clearly telling us that there are huge opportunities for the Australian tourism industry in focussing on our natural and environmental credentials”.
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| Ms Cheatham |
Ms Cheatham added, “Perhaps as disappointing but maybe not surprising that in the recently released global green economy index – Australia is rated third in the world for the perception of green tourism but dropped to tenth position for performance.
“In effect we have a reputation for environmentally friendly tourism but as a country we are not doing too much to actually grow and support environmentally sustainable tourism.
“This is not to take away from some of the amazing actions of individual tourism operators or indeed the recognition of environmentally sustainable certification by a number protected area managers in the permit allocation process,” she said. “But what about a whole of tourism industry program that works for all operators whether they are operating in national parks or not? What about national recognition for environmental sustainable actions by tourism operators either, through changes tax regimes perhaps like a permanent investment allowance or allowing accelerated depreciation rates on new more energy efficient low emitting equipment, engines and vehicles. Or perhaps priority or recognition given in government grants or marketing campaigns… maybe selecting tourism experiences to partner in marketing based on their environmental credentials rather than the dollars they have to buy their way in.
“For many in the tourism industry particularly those in remote and regional areas it has been a tough year. Now more than ever, travellers need a more compelling reason to travel to and within Australia.
“If we as an industry and a nation do not take a strong action to grow and support the environmentally sustainable tourism industry we will fall further down the green tourism index in both performance and perception and will lose this hard won position of being a key green tourism destination…a position many in this room have dedicated the better part of the last 20 years to achieving.
“There are many other destinations around the globe who are actively building and growing their tourism eco credentials, who will be more than happy to capitalise on the potential positive impacts that can be gained through the development and marketing of green tourism experiences,” Ms Cheatham warned.
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