This document discusses geotourism, ecotourism, and their potential to drive regional development in Australia. It provides an overview of geotourism concepts and programs like UNESCO Global Geoparks. Etheridge in Queensland is highlighted as a 'defacto geopark' due to its abundance of geological sites, trails and national parks. However, developing official geoparks in Australia faces challenges including lack of government and industry support. For geotourism to succeed, projects require community engagement and demonstration of economic benefits to regional areas.

1. ““Geotourism, Ecotourism and RegionalGeotourism, Ecotourism and Regional
Development - Challenges and Opportunities”Development - Challenges and Opportunities”
Global Eco 2017, 29 November 2017Global Eco 2017, 29 November 2017
Angus M RobinsonAngus M Robinson
Managing Partner, Leisure Solutions®Managing Partner, Leisure Solutions®
Geotourism Forum, Ecotourism AustraliaGeotourism Forum, Ecotourism Australia
Source: Savannah GuidesSource: Savannah GuidesSource: Savannah Guides

2. Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda
 Chinese Tourism to AustraliaChinese Tourism to Australia
 Ecotourism, Geotourism and Scenic AreasEcotourism, Geotourism and Scenic Areas
 Pre-Aspiring Geopark Development in AustraliaPre-Aspiring Geopark Development in Australia
 Etheridge ‘Defacto Geopark’ Community IssuesEtheridge ‘Defacto Geopark’ Community Issues
and Concernsand Concerns
 Sustainability and Community EngagementSustainability and Community Engagement
 Take AwaysTake Aways

3. Chinese Tourism to AustraliaChinese Tourism to Australia
 In 2016In 2016,, 1.2 million Chinese visited Australia1.2 million Chinese visited Australia,, somesome 1% of1% of
total outbound from China of 122 million.total outbound from China of 122 million.
 The most popular other destinations were mainly nearbyThe most popular other destinations were mainly nearby
Asian countries.Asian countries.
 The top 10 outbound tourism countriesThe top 10 outbound tourism countries were: Thailand,were: Thailand,
South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, United States,South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, United States,
Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam and Philippines.Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam and Philippines.
 Capacity constraints asideCapacity constraints aside,, why such a low level of interest inwhy such a low level of interest in
Australia?Australia?
 Why areWhy are Chinese tourists not visiting our iconic landscapesChinese tourists not visiting our iconic landscapes
located in regional, continental landscape areas of Australia?located in regional, continental landscape areas of Australia?

4. Australia’s Tourism Marketing StrategyAustralia’s Tourism Marketing Strategy
 ‘‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’There’s Nothing Like Australia’ is Tourism Australia’s globalis Tourism Australia’s global
consumer marketing campaign, highlighting some of the veryconsumer marketing campaign, highlighting some of the very
best attractions & experiences Oz tourism has to offer.best attractions & experiences Oz tourism has to offer.
 Designed to be long-lasting and flexible, the campaign isDesigned to be long-lasting and flexible, the campaign is
evolving to stay relevant for target consumers.evolving to stay relevant for target consumers.
 The campaign currently hasThe campaign currently has three key areas ofthree key areas of focus:focus: youth;youth;
aquatic & coastal; and food and wineaquatic & coastal; and food and wine..
 However, TTF now claims thatHowever, TTF now claims that nature-based tourism is annature-based tourism is an
important contributor to the economies of regional Australiaimportant contributor to the economies of regional Australia..
 Natural assets are often the primary drivers of visitationNatural assets are often the primary drivers of visitation to ato a
region and are the catalyst for jobs and economic growth.region and are the catalyst for jobs and economic growth.

5. Nature Based Tourism Strategy 2025Nature Based Tourism Strategy 2025
 Ecotourism Australia & others have been workingEcotourism Australia & others have been working
with key industry stakeholders to preparewith key industry stakeholders to prepare Australia’sAustralia’s
Nature Based Tourism Strategy 2025Nature Based Tourism Strategy 2025 && Action PlanAction Plan..
 There is currentlyThere is currently no collaborative, nation-wideno collaborative, nation-wide
strategystrategy to maximise and realise the potential forto maximise and realise the potential for
nature-based tourism.nature-based tourism.
 However in June 2017However in June 2017, the Tourism & Transport, the Tourism & Transport
Forum (TTF) released a paper urging governments toForum (TTF) released a paper urging governments to
refocus on Australia’s National Landscapesrefocus on Australia’s National Landscapes..

6. Ecotourism and Geotourism ConceptsEcotourism and Geotourism Concepts
 Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourismecologically sustainable tourism
with a primary focus on experiencing naturalexperiencing natural
areasareas that fosters environmental and cultural
understanding, appreciation and conservation.
 But ecotourismecotourism per se is too narrowly defined and is
increasingly seen as a niche marketniche market, particularly
from a chinese perspective.
 However,geotourismgeotourism is tourism which focuses on an
area's geology & landscapegeology & landscape as the basisas the basis for providing
visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment.

7. Repositioning our ‘Nature Based’ Tourism MarketingRepositioning our ‘Nature Based’ Tourism Marketing
 The Chinese market is not attuned to marketingChinese market is not attuned to marketing
which promotes ecotourism, geotourism, nature-
based tourism, and even terms such as national
landscapes.
 Chinese tourists just want to visit iconic ‘Scenicvisit iconic ‘Scenic
Areas’ and take photos.Areas’ and take photos.
 Geotourism is simply a process that drives visitation
to iconic ‘Scenic Areas’.‘Scenic Areas’.

8. GeotourismGeotourism
comprises the following features of natural & cultural heritage:comprises the following features of natural & cultural heritage:
1.1. AAbioticbiotic – non-living aspects such as the climate & geology– non-living aspects such as the climate & geology
e.g. landscape and landforms:e.g. landscape and landforms: GEODIVERSITYGEODIVERSITY
2.2. BBioticiotic – the living parts eg. fauna (animals) and flora– the living parts eg. fauna (animals) and flora
(plants):(plants): BIODIVERSITYBIODIVERSITY
3.3. CCulturalultural – past & present, non-living & built– past & present, non-living & built
Holistic in scope,Holistic in scope, geotourism is the key drivergeotourism is the key driver for Geoparks,for Geoparks,
Geotrails and even World Heritage Areas.Geotrails and even World Heritage Areas.

9. Founded in 1945 - 193 member states
UNESCO
Man and the BiosphereMan and the Biosphere
World Heritage AreasWorld Heritage Areas
UNESCO Global GeoparksUNESCO Global Geoparks

10. The Geopark ‘Problem’ in Australia – 2008The Geopark ‘Problem’ in Australia – 2008
1.1. The conceptThe concept of global geoparksof global geoparks not supported bynot supported by governmentgovernment
planning and tourism agencies; the conceptplanning and tourism agencies; the concept did not fit welldid not fit well
into the prevailing public land management arrangements,into the prevailing public land management arrangements,
underpinned by a two tier federation.underpinned by a two tier federation.
2.2. ConceptConcept not embraced or understood by the geologicalnot embraced or understood by the geological
professionsprofessions – no constituency support.– no constituency support.
3.3. Government Geological Surveys were not supportive ofGovernment Geological Surveys were not supportive of
geopark developmentgeopark development and geotourism generally, with concernand geotourism generally, with concern
aboutabout impact on access to lands for exploration and miningimpact on access to lands for exploration and mining..
4.4. Kanawinka UNESCO Global GeoparkKanawinka UNESCO Global Geopark withdrawn through lackwithdrawn through lack
of government support and approvalsof government support and approvals..

11. UNESCO ProgramsUNESCO Programs (after Dowling, 2016)(after Dowling, 2016)
Program Sites Countries
World Heritage 1052 165
Man and the
Biosphere 669 120
UNESCO GlobalUNESCO Global
GeoparksGeoparks 127127 3535

12. Australia’s UNESCO SitesAustralia’s UNESCO Sites (after Dowling, 2016)(after Dowling, 2016)
Program Sites
World Heritage 22
Man and the Biosphere 14
UNESCO Global GeoparksUNESCO Global Geoparks 00

13. Australia’s 16 National Landscapes – ‘Scenic Areas’Australia’s 16 National Landscapes – ‘Scenic Areas’

14. Australia’s National Landscapes ProgrammeAustralia’s National Landscapes Programme
Partnership between tourism and conservation that aims to:Partnership between tourism and conservation that aims to:
 PromotePromote world class, high qualityworld class, high quality visitor experiencesvisitor experiences
 Increase theIncrease the value of tourism to regional economiesvalue of tourism to regional economies
 Enhance theEnhance the role of protected areasrole of protected areas in those economiesin those economies
 Build support for protecting our natural and cultural assetsBuild support for protecting our natural and cultural assets
 EngageEngage local communitieslocal communities
A long termA long term strategicstrategic approachapproach
‘‘To differentiateTo differentiate Australia’sAustralia’s
iconic natural and culturaliconic natural and cultural
destinationsdestinations from anything elsefrom anything else
available in the worldavailable in the world’

15. Key FactorsKey Factors
Geopark Development In Australia - 2017Geopark Development In Australia - 2017
 Pre-Aspiring Geopark development needs to bePre-Aspiring Geopark development needs to be state/localstate/local
government agencygovernment agency initiatedinitiated and supportedand supported..
 AA high level of community (including other land-user)high level of community (including other land-user)
engagementengagement is essential to meet UNESCO requirements.is essential to meet UNESCO requirements.
 The key driver of geopark development must be focused on
regional developmentregional development – i.e.– i.e. jobs and growth andjobs and growth and demonstratedemonstrate
economic benefit to offset perceived political riskeconomic benefit to offset perceived political risk..
 TheThe approval of Government Geological Surveysapproval of Government Geological Surveys for individualfor individual
projects is an absolute necessity.projects is an absolute necessity.
 Australian Government approval for UNESCO nomination mayAustralian Government approval for UNESCO nomination may
well be achieved ifwell be achieved if state/territory government endorsementstate/territory government endorsement
and funding is clearly establishedand funding is clearly established..

16. Melbourne
Sydney
Brisbane
Warrumbungle
Etheridge
Cairns
Australia’s Pre-Aspiring UNESCO GlobalAustralia’s Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global
Geopark Development Efforts in 2017Geopark Development Efforts in 2017

17. Geological Society Assumes Role of VettingGeological Society Assumes Role of Vetting
UNESCO Global Geopark ProposalsUNESCO Global Geopark Proposals
In May 2017, the Governing Council of the Geological SocietyIn May 2017, the Governing Council of the Geological Society
of Australia decided to assign the Geotourism Standingof Australia decided to assign the Geotourism Standing
Committee the role ofCommittee the role of assessing the international geologicalassessing the international geological
merit of the current (and any future) pre-aspiring UNESCOmerit of the current (and any future) pre-aspiring UNESCO
global geopark proposalsglobal geopark proposals, based on the advice provided by, based on the advice provided by
the appointed geoscience/mining heritage reference groups.the appointed geoscience/mining heritage reference groups.
It was also decided that that any assessments are to beIt was also decided that that any assessments are to be
endorsed by the Governing Council before they are madeendorsed by the Governing Council before they are made
known publicly.known publicly.

18. Status of Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global GeoparksStatus of Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks
 Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark proposals arePre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark proposals are
those undergoing assessment to obtain community &those undergoing assessment to obtain community &
government supportgovernment support PRIOR to any applicationPRIOR to any application..
 EtheridgeEtheridge Scenic Area is a ‘defacto geopark’ and isScenic Area is a ‘defacto geopark’ and is
nownow NOTNOT subject to any assessment process.subject to any assessment process.
 WarrumbungleWarrumbungle Pre-Aspiring UNESCO Global GeoparkPre-Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark
is currently subject to discussions with the Stateis currently subject to discussions with the State
Government as to the scope and size of the project,Government as to the scope and size of the project,
a processa process which allows two more years for preparingwhich allows two more years for preparing
a nomination application.a nomination application.

19. Etheridge ‘Defacto’ Geopark, QueenslandEtheridge ‘Defacto’ Geopark, Queensland
Comprising theComprising the entire Shire ofentire Shire of
EtheridgeEtheridge, and including areas, and including areas
of outstanding volcanic andof outstanding volcanic and
mining heritage - some 40,000mining heritage - some 40,000
sq km in area.sq km in area.
Embracing 1.7 billion years ofEmbracing 1.7 billion years of
geological history.geological history.
Only 950 people, mainly cattleOnly 950 people, mainly cattle
farmers.farmers.

20. ..

21. Etheridge Scenic Area – A ‘Defacto’ GeoparkEtheridge Scenic Area – A ‘Defacto’ Geopark
 GeositesGeosites –– In abundance, with Undara as a global icon.In abundance, with Undara as a global icon.
 Geo villagesGeo villages –– Four small townships, all with communityFour small townships, all with community
engaged geosites (including agate, sapphire and gold fields);engaged geosites (including agate, sapphire and gold fields);
key establishedkey established ecotourism resortsecotourism resorts of Undara & Cobboldof Undara & Cobbold
Gorge; and the indigenousGorge; and the indigenous Talaroo Hot SpringsTalaroo Hot Springs development.development.
 GeotrailsGeotrails –– The Savannah Way (Lava tubes, Gems and GorgesThe Savannah Way (Lava tubes, Gems and Gorges
Trail) with connections to nearby mining heritage locations.Trail) with connections to nearby mining heritage locations.
 National ParksNational Parks –– Undara Volcanic Park & six other park areas.Undara Volcanic Park & six other park areas.
 TerrEstrial Mineral/Fossil MuseumTerrEstrial Mineral/Fossil Museum– Most significant mineral– Most significant mineral
museum in Qldmuseum in Qld..
 ManyMany heritage mining sitesheritage mining sites & small gold mining operations& small gold mining operations
underscores Etheridge’s status of one Australia’s mostunderscores Etheridge’s status of one Australia’s most
diversified mineralised areas.diversified mineralised areas.

22. Kalkani Cone, UndaraKalkani Cone, Undara

23. Undara Lava TubesUndara Lava Tubes

24. Hawaiian Lava FlowsHawaiian Lava Flows

25. Undara Lava Tubes

26.  State of New South Wales:State of New South Wales: GeoTreat supported ‘GeoJourney’ in theGeoTreat supported ‘GeoJourney’ in the
Australian Coastal Wilderness National Landscape.Australian Coastal Wilderness National Landscape.
 State of Victoria:State of Victoria: Volcano Discovery Trail (Kanawinka related).Volcano Discovery Trail (Kanawinka related).
 State of Western Australia:State of Western Australia: Various geotrail project proposals (e.g.Various geotrail project proposals (e.g.
Murchison, Coolgardie) and potential ‘geopark concept’ opportunitiesMurchison, Coolgardie) and potential ‘geopark concept’ opportunities
 State of SouthAustralia:State of SouthAustralia: is not actively progressing any geopark potentialis not actively progressing any geopark potential
projects, but is very keen to support the development of geotrails andprojects, but is very keen to support the development of geotrails and
geotourism through exceptional geological heritage, especially throughgeotourism through exceptional geological heritage, especially through
Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges National Landscapes.Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges National Landscapes.
 State of Tasmania:State of Tasmania: West Coast ‘Living Earth’ – CradleCoast GeoTrail.West Coast ‘Living Earth’ – CradleCoast GeoTrail.
 Northern Territory:Northern Territory: Potential Geotrails (Red Centre, Savannah Way).Potential Geotrails (Red Centre, Savannah Way).

27. Cobbold GorgeCobbold Gorge

28. Talaroo Hot Springs – Ewamian Aboriginal CorporationTalaroo Hot Springs – Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation

29. TerrEstrial Museum and Global Peace MonumentTerrEstrial Museum and Global Peace Monument

30. Assessment Process – Etheridge ProjectAssessment Process – Etheridge Project
1.1. Appointment of Steering Committee andAppointment of Steering Committee and GeoscienceGeoscience
& Mineral Heritage Reference Group& Mineral Heritage Reference Group..
2.2. Consultation with all key stakeholders (e.g.Consultation with all key stakeholders (e.g.
indigenous communitiesindigenous communities, national parks, tourism, national parks, tourism
resorts, and theresorts, and the Savannah GuidesSavannah Guides).).
3.3. Consultation with key State Government agencies.Consultation with key State Government agencies.
4.4. Community consultationCommunity consultation – information bulletins,– information bulletins,
public meetings involving Shire Councillors.public meetings involving Shire Councillors.
A relatively short 12 month period allowed for theA relatively short 12 month period allowed for the
assessment and application completion process.assessment and application completion process.

31. Savannah Guides Workshop, Forsayth, April 2017: Presenter Russell Boswell

32. Community Raised Issues – Etheridge ProjectCommunity Raised Issues – Etheridge Project
1.1. National Parks, indigenous groups, the Savannah Guides, andNational Parks, indigenous groups, the Savannah Guides, and
residents of townships are very supportiveresidents of townships are very supportive, because they, because they
understand the economic benefits of tourism.understand the economic benefits of tourism.
2.2. However,However, agricultural, small scale mining groups & gemstoneagricultural, small scale mining groups & gemstone
fossickers not supportivefossickers not supportive with a vigorous programwith a vigorous program
implemented to dissuade Council from finalising theimplemented to dissuade Council from finalising the
applicationapplication because a Global Geopark upsets the status quo!because a Global Geopark upsets the status quo!
3.3. Issues raised were essentially fears of UNESCO control, moreIssues raised were essentially fears of UNESCO control, more
environmental regulation and increased levels of tourism.environmental regulation and increased levels of tourism.
4.4. The labels ofThe labels of UNESCO, GEOPARK, EcotourismUNESCO, GEOPARK, Ecotourism etc raised aetc raised a
range of concerns and fears.range of concerns and fears.

33. Basis of Landowner Resistance to the then Pre-Basis of Landowner Resistance to the then Pre-
Aspiring Etheridge Global GeoparkAspiring Etheridge Global Geopark
1. The proposed UNESCO affiliation promoted a1. The proposed UNESCO affiliation promoted a fear of
further regulation and restrictions curbing current and futurecurbing current and future
activities and potentially leading to a World Heritage Listing.activities and potentially leading to a World Heritage Listing.
2.The large area of the application across the whole Shire2.The large area of the application across the whole Shire
which included large land tracts which were consideredwhich included large land tracts which were considered
unlikely to be of interest for tourism.unlikely to be of interest for tourism.
33.The use of the term ‘geopark’.The use of the term ‘geopark’ which was interpreted bywhich was interpreted by
many to imply some form of existing or potentialmany to imply some form of existing or potential
environmental protection (aligned to an expanded nationalenvironmental protection (aligned to an expanded national
parks network).parks network).

34. Basis of Gulf Cattleman’s Association ObjectionsBasis of Gulf Cattleman’s Association Objections
Pre-Aspiring Etheridge Global GeoparkPre-Aspiring Etheridge Global Geopark
 Don’t trust the Council regarding the costs.Don’t trust the Council regarding the costs.
 Don’t trust the State and Federal Government not toDon’t trust the State and Federal Government not to
introduce further regulation as a consequence of achievingintroduce further regulation as a consequence of achieving
Geopark status.Geopark status.
 Don’t want to expose themselves to tourists.Don’t want to expose themselves to tourists.
– getting lostgetting lost
– driving onto their propertydriving onto their property
– bringing weeds into the area etc.bringing weeds into the area etc.
Note:Note: Graziers appear uninterested in small townshipGraziers appear uninterested in small township
developmentdevelopment because they source supplies and servicesbecause they source supplies and services
directly from large regional centres.directly from large regional centres.

35. An Alternative Strategy for the EtheridgeAn Alternative Strategy for the Etheridge
‘Defacto Geopark’‘Defacto Geopark’
 Council has now approved the development of anCouncil has now approved the development of an
alternative major geotourism initiative whichalternative major geotourism initiative which
captures the aspirations of a pre-existing tourismcaptures the aspirations of a pre-existing tourism
strategy,strategy, providingproviding additional natural and culturaladditional natural and cultural
heritage contentheritage content..
 Through collaboration with other local governmentThrough collaboration with other local government
areas,areas, the establishment of strong geotrail linkagesthe establishment of strong geotrail linkages
with geotourism attractions outside of the Shire.with geotourism attractions outside of the Shire.
 Engaging graziersEngaging graziers in geotourism pilot projects.in geotourism pilot projects.

36. Etheridge Scenic Area – The Rationale forEtheridge Scenic Area – The Rationale for
A ‘Defacto’ GeoparkA ‘Defacto’ Geopark
Council recognises that a ‘geotourism’ project should takeCouncil recognises that a ‘geotourism’ project should take
account ofaccount of ‘georegional’ characteristics based on geological‘georegional’ characteristics based on geological
and mining heritageand mining heritage and embraced principles that could serveand embraced principles that could serve
toto pre-qualify the area for a UNESCO application at somepre-qualify the area for a UNESCO application at some
future timefuture time, in other words meeting the designated, in other words meeting the designated
requirements of a ‘defacto’ geopark.requirements of a ‘defacto’ geopark.
By raising awareness of the importance of the area’sBy raising awareness of the importance of the area’s
geological heritage in history & society today, Councilgeological heritage in history & society today, Council
believes that thisbelieves that this project must provide local communitiesproject must provide local communities
with a sense of pride in their region and strengthen theirwith a sense of pride in their region and strengthen their
identification with the area.identification with the area.

37. Sustainability & Community EngagementSustainability & Community Engagement
Etheridge ‘Defacto Geopark’Etheridge ‘Defacto Geopark’
Emulating a program being undertaken in the UnitedEmulating a program being undertaken in the United
Kingdom, it is proposed that aKingdom, it is proposed that a ‘geovillage’ approach be‘geovillage’ approach be
adopted for the Shire of Etheridgeadopted for the Shire of Etheridge; thus enabling individual; thus enabling individual
townships to take unique ownership of any activity e.g.townships to take unique ownership of any activity e.g.
community operated museum which has a natural or culturalcommunity operated museum which has a natural or cultural
heritage characteristic.heritage characteristic.
Two of the small townships have strong associations withTwo of the small townships have strong associations with
agates and gems, and another has strong mining industryagates and gems, and another has strong mining industry
heritage. The main township ,Georgetown, already has theheritage. The main township ,Georgetown, already has the
TerrEstrial Centre mineral and fossil museumTerrEstrial Centre mineral and fossil museum which mightwhich might
benefit from even a higher level of community involvementbenefit from even a higher level of community involvement
and the recently establishedand the recently established Peace MonumentPeace Monument has alreadyhas already
made its mark.made its mark.

38. UNESCO Global Geopark and SustainabilityUNESCO Global Geopark and Sustainability
‘‘Even if an area has outstanding, world-famous geologicalEven if an area has outstanding, world-famous geological
heritage of outstanding universal valueheritage of outstanding universal value it cannot be ait cannot be a
UNESCO Global Geopark unless the area also has a plan forUNESCO Global Geopark unless the area also has a plan for
the sustainable development of the people who live there.’the sustainable development of the people who live there.’
‘‘Unless a UNESCO Global Geopark has the support of localUnless a UNESCO Global Geopark has the support of local
people it will not succeedpeople it will not succeed. UNESCO Global Geopark status. UNESCO Global Geopark status
does not imply restrictions on any economic activity inside adoes not imply restrictions on any economic activity inside a
UNESCO Global Geopark where that activity complies withUNESCO Global Geopark where that activity complies with
indigenous, local, regional and/or national legislation.’indigenous, local, regional and/or national legislation.’
Source: UNESCO Global Geopark Brochure

39. Take-Aways - Sustainable Community EngagementTake-Aways - Sustainable Community Engagement
 More focusMore focus needs to be appliedneeds to be applied to communicatingto communicating
the ‘georegionalthe ‘georegional’ nature of geoparks; the application’ nature of geoparks; the application
of the UNESCO brand is a ‘two edged sword’.of the UNESCO brand is a ‘two edged sword’.
 More work is needed to overcomeMore work is needed to overcome perceived fearsperceived fears
about the detrimental impact of geoparksabout the detrimental impact of geoparks on otheron other
existing land users such as miners and farmers.existing land users such as miners and farmers.
 Geopark proposalsGeopark proposals must be supported by Geologicalmust be supported by Geological
Survey communitiesSurvey communities..
 More time must be allowedMore time must be allowed to gain communityto gain community
engagement/support to ensure geoparkengagement/support to ensure geopark
sustainability.sustainability.

40. Take-Aways – Future Issues for Tourism DevelopmentTake-Aways – Future Issues for Tourism Development
 It cannot be assumed that outside of national parksIt cannot be assumed that outside of national parks
that nature based tourism is welcomed by graziers.that nature based tourism is welcomed by graziers.
 National parks are not generally supported byNational parks are not generally supported by
CouncilsCouncils for a range of reasons which include loss offor a range of reasons which include loss of
rateable land & the cost of providing accessrateable land & the cost of providing access
services.services.
 ManyMany cattlemen equate ‘ecotourism’ with morecattlemen equate ‘ecotourism’ with more
environmental controls from city based ‘greenies’.environmental controls from city based ‘greenies’.
 Based on the success of several families in FarNQ,Based on the success of several families in FarNQ,
there is a realisation thatthere is a realisation that ecotourism & geotourismecotourism & geotourism
ventures can deliver additional farm revenue.ventures can deliver additional farm revenue.

41. Take-Aways – Tourism from the China RegionTake-Aways – Tourism from the China Region
 To attract a higher level of ‘geotourists’ from China, we mustTo attract a higher level of ‘geotourists’ from China, we must
considerconsider marketing the concept ofmarketing the concept of Australia’s iconic ‘Scenic
Areas’ with geotourism as the principal driver..
 Much developmental work is needed in regional Australia tois needed in regional Australia to
meet Chinese tourism expectations and needs.meet Chinese tourism expectations and needs.
 The Australian tourism industry needs to understand thatThe Australian tourism industry needs to understand that
tourists from North Asia are now accustomed to a digitaltourists from North Asia are now accustomed to a digital
platform which is currently unavailable in Australiaplatform which is currently unavailable in Australia..
 Researching product development options for theResearching product development options for the 18-25 age,18-25 age,
soft adventure/nature focused, overseas market segmentssoft adventure/nature focused, overseas market segments
might be well worth pursuing.might be well worth pursuing.

42. Contact DetailsContact Details
angus@leisuresolutions.com.auangus@leisuresolutions.com.au
Tel: + 61 418 488 340Tel: + 61 418 488 340
http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/http://www.leisuresolutions.com.au/index.php/geotourism-industry-groups/
Information about Australian Geotourism and Geopark Development Activities:Information about Australian Geotourism and Geopark Development Activities:
https://tinyurl.com/yb7yceyhhttps://tinyurl.com/yb7yceyh