By Wayne Kayler-Thomson
Nature-based tourism and events represent two opportunities to grow Victoria’s tourism industry. However, State Government investment is also required to enhance Victoria’s tourist reputation.
In our efforts to represent the needs of Victorian business and industry, VECCI’s 2010-11 State Budget Submission that – in the area of tourism and events – appropriate investment must be used to position the tourism and events industry for sustainable real growth through a combination of strategic and marketing investment.
The submission recognises the following issues:
- the need to invest in key infrastructure assets such as the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and natural attractions;
- the crucial role of major events;
- opportunities to capitalise on Victoria’s abundant natural attractions;
- the increasing importance of public safety and the need to reduce anti-social behaviour;
- the importance of continued funding for tourism marketing; and
- the need for product development, including pre-development research and planning.
Victoria is home to abundant natural beauty, and ongoing investment in infrastructure will ensure these spots maximise their viability as tourist destinations and assist in encouraging visitors to regional Victoria.
Recent infrastructure improvements at the Great Ocean Road and a focus on feasibility planning for a major tourism and interpretive centre at Loch Ard Gorge are solid examples of work undertaken by Parks Victoria to maximise natural attractions.
There is also potential for further investment in nature-based tourism in other parts of the State, including a comprehensive redevelopment of the Arthurs Seat precinct on the Mornington Peninsula.
Reports of the Tasmanian Opposition proposing a feasibility study into a cable car to Mount Wellington highlights the value of nature-based tourism, and unless significant infrastructure investment is made in Victoria’s natural assets, we will be left behind.
International visitor expenditure over 2009 increased by 9.1 per cent, supporting our yield growth objective. This can, in part, be attributed to the success of major events, conferences and conventions.
Strong numbers at key events such as the Australian Open tennis and Australian Masters golf tournament featuring Tiger Woods have assisted Victoria avoid the fall-out effects of the GFC.
Business events is a particularly high-yielding tourism category and requires support through the extension of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and ongoing investment in airports.
VECCI has requested funding for the extension of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre in previous Budgets, and has renewed its call given the potential opportunity increased event space holds for the economy and local employment.
Investment in regional events infrastructure, such as a convention centre in Geelong, would encourage further events outside of Melbourne and assist to encourage greater regional tourism.
If you want to find out more about our recommendations on this issue, click here to download a copy of VECCI’s 2010-11 State Budget Submission.
