Tasmania’s peak tourism industry body said the Australian Greens’ Tourism Policy released today confirmed the party continues to be unable to rationalise its support for a growing tourism industry with its conservation ideology.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) CEO Luke Martin said while the policy contains some constructive and positive ideas he was disappointed the party did not take the opportunity to adopt a more pragmatic approach to tourism activity in nature reserve areas.
“Further investment in tourism marketing is a smart investment, as we know more marketing attracts more visitors that generates spending in the economy,” Mr Martin said.
“So any commitment to invest in Tourism Australia would be welcome by everyone in the Australian tourism industry, including here in Tasmania.”
“But if we want to grow Australia’s tourism industry we also need to develop the products and experiences in the places that attract people to this country, and this, unfortunately, is where the Greens approach to our industry falls apart.”
“The Greens passionately advocate the protection of Australia’s natural assets for conservation and tourism, yet in the same breath oppose the very commercial tourism activity that brings people into these areas.”
“The Party sites tourism as a reason for areas like the Tarkine to be protected as a National Park or World Heritage Area, yet oppose tourism development in National Parks and World Heritage Areas.”
“They value the contribution tourism makes to our economy, yet maintain their opposition to projects like the Three Capes Track on the Tasman Peninsula, or anything happening on Mt Wellington, that are all about realising the tourism potential of these sites and creating environmentally low-impact jobs.”
“Senator Peter Whish-Wilson is a highly capable and pragmatic guy who understands business and must surely recognise the contradictions in his position here.”
“We welcome his clear enthusiasm and support for our industry, but also hope he is able to channel this support into his party developing a more moderate and pragmatic position on how we grow tourism’s contribution to regional communities.”
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) CEO Luke Martin
