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Smart Transport Policies Required to sustain Australia’s tourism

Transport is a critical and often overlooked sector of tourism. We
require Smart Low Carbon Transport Policies now to protect the tourism sector in Australia, particularly in rural areas. This is because transport affordability (through oil prices or maybe a carbon tax) will become tighter following the impacts of Climate Change (UNEP2008). Transport’s Greenhouse Gas emissions will also increasingly be a consumer consideration when the public or operators plan a holiday program. A continuation of current domestic tourism decline will have significant economic impacts in rural areas and long term negative impacts on rural communities.

Therefore we need Government at both Federal and State level to jump-start Smart Carbon Initiatives and promote ‘clean’ tourism using existing infrastructure. This should be of paramount interest to all Governments because tourism is a labour intensive industry and makes a high contribution to tax revenue.

An example of Responsible Tourism practice can be seen in Northumberland (England) with its cycling hubs or those that crisscross Austria. In fact, cycling, walking and low carbon transport
options could spell a renaissance in our tourism industry as city folk would be able to enjoy their country at a leisurely pace, keeping fit and discovering our natural and cultural heritage through themed routes.

Importantly use of old railway lines (used as cycle routes), tourist bus services (removing car congestion at peak locations rather like a ‘park n ride’ system e.g. Yorkshire Dales) and the interlinking of walking tracks with community/farm retail areas could boost out of peak season leisure pursuits.

Integrating low carbon solutions into destination planning will also make Australia more attractive to those enlightened overseas tour operators keen to pursue a Responsible Tourism Policy.

Governments must also come to terms with the issues of air transport. Rather than encouraging its agencies to seek a rise in international visitation, a future low carbon economy needs to encourage longer stays and higher spend by each international visitor rather than simply generating higher numbers and higher emissions. Government must encourage more efficient flight paths, reward use of energy efficient aircraft and contribute to research into GHG emitting craft.

Factors:

1. Tourism’s GHG emissions contribute between 5-14% (scientists are
still determining the impacts of aircraft pollution on the upper
levels of the atmosphere). Transport makes the majority of
contribution, in particular long haul flights (UNEP 2008).

2. From a Responsible Tourism position one can’t ignore the supply chain
(both internationally and domestically) which includes the travel
agents, wholesalers, transport and in market resources, as they are
part of the impact (this is now accepted by leading tour groups like
Thomas Cook who are currently auditing their 35,000 suppliers). So
Australia needs to recognise that local operators are a component in
the overall tourism product. The criteria of being ‘Internationally Ready’ in the future
will require proof of sustainable operations as much as it now requires trade commissions.

3. Improving mass transport, cycling and walking tracks is a benefit
to communities. Tourism planning and community facilities need to be
integrated. Currently many sustainable urban plans are not considering
the positive impact tourism can make in creating communities that
are a better place to live in. Note that Transition Towns in the UK
are failing to integrate the potential tourism benefits.

4. Smart, more sustainable transport solutions could support themed routes
which promote local produce and economic linkage. This would further enhance Local Distinctiveness and build community pride and social values.

We need creative integrated solutions born from imaginative
Governments. Policies which encourage and reward innovation, that are responsible, that lead us to a more sustainable tourism sector, that protect our rural communities and offer healthy leisure pursuits for city dwellers.