State of the Environment Report 2007
The World Tourism Organization defines tourism as '... the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes...' (Commission of the European Communities et al., 2001). Tourism is a service-based sector comprising a number of tangible and intangible components. Tangible components include accommodation, transport, natural and built attractions, tour operators, restaurants and other infrastructure used by tourists. Intangible components relate to the experience that people have when they visit an area, and how well that experience matches their needs and expectations.
Tourism is one of a few sectors that place a value on the conservation of the environment for economic and social benefit. The natural environment is a major attraction for visitors to WA. International and domestic visitors are drawn to the State for its pristine ocean, waters and reefs, spectacular outback gorges, tall forests and wildlife (plants and animals). The future of tourism in WA relies heavily on the maintenance of the quality of the environment and the management of natural attractions and their associated cultural values.
Tourism makes a major economic contribution to WA, generating a range of economic and social benefits. Tourism generates approximately $3.6 billion annually from visitor expenditure, contributing 5.5% of the State's Gross State Product. The sector employs approximately 54 000 people, or 5.8% of the State's workforce (Access Economics Pty Ltd, 2003).
The State Sustainability Strategy outlines a vision for our natural resources by ensuring that they are '... conserved, protected, managed and used sustainably for the common good' (Government of Western Australia, 2003a, p. 108). Objectives derived from this are to:
Headline indicators that measure the environmental performance of the tourism sector are only now being developed by tourism research bodies and management agencies (Tonge et al., 2004). The following headline indicators, while not ideal, are the most relevant existing headline indicators.
Only 4% of ecotourism businesses have obtained environmental accreditation, which certifies ecotourism businesses based on various environmental management and sustainability practices. Currently, 384 nature-based tourism businesses are registered to operate within Department of Environment and Conservation's conservation reserves. Of these, 16 are accredited ecotourism businesses.
This indicator represents a surrogate measure of the value placed on our State's natural environment by tourists. There has been a marginal increase in the percentage of tourists visiting natural icons or undertaking outdoor activities in recent years. This may be related to nature-based tourism marketing strategies, or it may reflect that the WA environment is becoming more important for the tourism sector. It should be noted that a large percentage of visits to WA by tourists are business or family related.
The sustainability of the Western Australian tourism sector is closely linked to the health of the State's environment, and the quality of nature based experiences. The sector requires that natural resources and the environment are maintained so that the tourism experience, with its economic and social benefits, is available for future generations.
In 2006, WA recorded approximately 7.39 million overnight visitors, made up of international (8.4%), interstate (18%) and intrastate visitors (73%) (Tourism Research Australia, 2007). In Australian terms, the WA tourism industry is not large, representing a market share of about 10-12%. The Tourism Forecasting Council predicts that domestic visitation to WA will grow by less than 1% a year over the next 10 years, while international visitation will grow between 5-6%. By 2014 the number of overnight visits in WA is forecast to increase by approximately 20% from current levels (Tourism Research Australia, 2005).
About 40% of all visitors to WA in 2006 participated in an outdoor or nature experience, such as going to the beach, visiting national/state parks, bush walking, rainforest walks, visiting botanic/public gardens, scenic tours and visiting farms (Table TS7.1). Over 80% of international visitors participated in nature or outdoor activities, reflecting the value overseas people place on the State's natural attractions and biodiversity (Table TS7.1). It also demonstrates the ability of natural icons to inspire people to travel. This verifies studies that found the main reason for international tourists visiting Australia was the unique wildlife and open landscape (Working Group on Tourism, 1991; Tourism and Transport Forum, 2004). When combined with anticipated growth rates for international visitors, this will put significant additional pressure on the State's natural icon sites. In contrast, only 36% of domestic visitors participated in nature or outdoor activities, which may be associated with a large proportion of business or family related trips (Table TS7.1).
![Table TS7.1: Total visitor numbers for tourism zones in Western Australia and per cent of those undertaking nature and outdoor activities in 2006. [Data source: Tourism Research Australia, National and International Visitor Survey (2007). Notes: (a) The Experience Perth region stretches from Lancelin in the north, east to Northam and York, and south to Mandurah and Dwellingup. (b) Total visitors do not represent the sum of regional visitors, as a visitor may visit multiple regions and be counted multiple times.]](/site/files/images/Table-TS7.1_Large.jpg)
Most visitors to WA travelled in the Perth and South West tourism zones, with considerably fewer visitors distributed across other parts of the State (Table TS7.1). The key appeal of most of the State's tourist regions is linked to their natural icons and environmental values (Figure TS7.1). For example, a study by the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre estimated that natural icons such as the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park were the primary reason for travel of 92% of all visitors to the Exmouth region. In Pemberton and Walpole in the South West region, native forests are the primary reason for travel of 80% of all visitors (Carlsen & Wood, 2004). Expenditure linked to tourists visiting the dolphins at Monkey Mia is estimated to make up between 5-11% of the total regional economy in the Gascoyne region (Stoekl et al., 2005). Visitation to areas such as Exmouth (whale sharks) and Albany (whales) are highly dependent on wildlife populations at certain times of the year. Likewise, the peak season in the Golden Outback region coincides with the annual wildflower season.
While environmental impacts from tourism are considered to be low on a statewide level, there are a number of natural icons identified by Tourism Western Australia that could be seen as 'hot spots', which reflect their importance as tourism attractions and potential for environmental degradation (Table TS7.2). For many hotspots, the trend has been one of continuous growth. In 2003-04 it was estimated that 10.9 million people visited Department of Conservation and Land Management national parks and reserves across the State, an increase of 12.3% since 2000-01.
In some areas, licences are issued to commercial tourism operators who operate businesses in national parks. Issued licences increased 3% between 2000-01 and 2003-04, with increases in the Experience Perth, South West and Golden Outback regions and small reductions for the Coral Coast and North West regions. Operator licenses may reflect demand for nature-based experiences in those particular regions and may also be an indicator of pressures imposed on nature reserves by tourism operators and their clients (such as increased vehicle traffic and waste generation).
![Table TS7.2: Visitor numbers to various natural icons per financial year, 1999–2006. [Data source: Department of Conservation and Land Management; Main Roads Western Australia; Rottnest Island Authority; Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. Notes: (a) Gibb River Road figures are estimates from Main Roads Western Australia. (b) Rottnest Island figures are for the number of people arriving by commercial aircraft or boat; visitors arriving by private means (estimated at around 150 000 per annum) should be added to this figure. (c) Kings Park estimates are from the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority annual reports. Basis of collection of visitation figures changed in 2001–02, making comparisons with previous years inappropriate.]](/site/files/images/Table-TS7.2_Large.jpg)
Global pressures such as climate change pose significant future threats to biodiversity and natural systems that form the basis for many natural tourism attractions. The Australian Greenhouse Office has identified Ningaloo Reef and Rowley Shoals as being at particular risk from rising ocean temperatures (Allen Consulting Group, 2005).
Tourism is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with the bulk of these created by the aviation industry. The energy footprint of tourism is large in relation to other sectors and this is counter to its projected image of being environmentally benign. While important, efforts to develop ecofriendly infrastructure will only have a very small effect on the overall reduction of the sector's energy consumption. The impact of the increasing cost of fuel as global oil supplies diminish may have considerable impacts, particularly on remote tourism communities. Research published recently by the Australian Greenhouse Office has indicated that the nature-based tourism sector needs to consider adaptation strategies to protect itself from climate risk (Allen Consulting Group, 2005).
Conservation practices in Australia and overseas may have a significant impact on migratory species such as whale sharks, humpback whales and migratory birds, which are important for tourism in WA. The tourism sector in WA is volatile and competes with many other Australian and international destinations. Threats of global terrorism, diseases (e.g. bird flu epidemic), natural disasters (e.g. tsunamis, earthquakes and cyclones) and wars are also having a significant impact on the economy and subsequently affect individual travel decisions. Apart from major global events, it is also influenced by economic factors (including interest rates, employment, inflation, economic growth and exchange rates) that determine whether people can afford to travel. The availability of quality tourism infrastructure such as accommodation, attractions, restaurants, tours and transport is an important factor for whether a destination can attract tourists.
Tourism is often highly seasonal, with the number of tourists varying widely depending on the time of the year (Table TS7.3). Seasonal changes in visitation can have a huge impact on the profitability of tourism operators and their capacity to implement best practice. High visitor to resident ratios (i.e. during peak season) also creates enormous challenges for conservation agencies managing large visitor numbers to sensitive environments and the associated environmental impacts. Local governments may sometimes struggle to deliver key environmental services during peak seasons (such as waste management, energy and water supplies), particularly where visitor numbers outstrip the availability of local supplies. Peak season issues such as accommodation availability, traffic congestion, litter, air and noise pollution may detrimentally affect the amenity of local communities, the environment and the experience of tourists.
![Table TS7.3: Number of overnight visitors and seasonal visitor/resident ratios for 2006. [Data sources: Tourism Research Australia (2007); Australian Bureau of Statistics.]](/site/files/images/Table-TS7.3_Large.jpg)
Tourism often has conflicting values for natural resources and can be affected by environmental impacts of other sectors. In the Pilbara region, very few rooms are available to accommodate tourists due to the demand from local mining companies. Mining operations and infrastructure may drastically alter landscapes and natural icons that appeal to tourists. Commercial fisheries close to popular tourist destinations may result in decreased tourist recreational fishing or diving experiences. Timber production in South West forests may impact on sensitive wildlife populations or alter scenic landscapes that may not be particularly attractive to tourists. In contrast, increased tourism in forest reserves may inadvertently lead to the spread of dieback or other diseases. Increased mobility of tourists can also introduce or spread weeds or pests in rangeland areas, and cause fires or traffic damage to native vegetation and habitat.
Tourism is the world's largest industry. Global visitation exceeded 800 million for 2005, representing an all-time record (World Tourism Organization, 2006). This is at a time when there is mounting evidence of serious global environmental degradation. The tourism industry is a contributor to issues such as climate change, species loss, habitat destruction, water availability, pollution and waste. It has been slow to respond to these issues, show leadership and take firm action to initiate change and manage its impacts (Worboys, Lockwood & De Lacy, 2005).
Tourism impacts on the environment occur in different ways. The construction of major tourism infrastructure (e.g. hotels and marinas) can impact local environments and encourage a greater influx of visitors than would otherwise visit the area. The additional demand on water and energy supplies may also require further infrastructure development. Large developments also have the potential to generate significant quantities of waste that may lead to pollution and degradation of ecosystems if inadequately managed. While environmental impact can be addressed through good design and best practice, impacts caused by inappropriate location of tourism activities will be difficult to address. Examples of inappropriate location impacts include coastal camping and activities like sand boarding and four-wheel driving in fragile dunes, resorts with high water use in arid environments, and concentrated recreational and charter fishing in sensitive marine habitats.
Pressure to open up new wilderness experiences may threaten pristine values and may also generate unwanted environmental consequences, such as the desire to interact with native animals, pick wildflowers or touch rock paintings. Impacts will depend on the level of visitor controls in place, education and interpretation facilities and visitor type.
Nature based tourism: Tourism Western Australia is the State's statutory authority responsible for promoting and developing the Western Australian tourism sector. In December 2004 it launched Keeping it Real - A Nature Based Tourism Strategy for Western Australia, outlining a vision and strategies for the development of sustainable nature-based tourism through business development, environmental accreditation, strategic research, marketing, education and training. Among other things, the strategy recommended: closer links between tourism accreditation and licensing; the development of strategic research programs through the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre; the development of low impact, innovative tourism developments; and integration of tourism into regional, district and park management plans (Tourism Western Australia, 2004).
The Commonwealth Government launched the Tourism and Conservation Initiative in 2004. The partnership program promotes the development of nature-based tourism businesses that feature native ecosystems and biodiversity and encourages regional cooperation and collaboration between the tourism and conservation sectors.
Regional planning and management: Tourism Western Australia has developed destination development strategies for the State's five tourism regions. The strategies guide the development of iconic tourism areas, identify infrastructure gaps and develop strategies to disperse visitors across the State.
The Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy Carnarvon to Exmouth was developed in 2004. Key elements of the strategy include banning high impact developments such as marinas and canals, zoning to ensure appropriate tourism developments in natural areas and expanding the current marine park system (Department for Planning and Infrastructure, 2004). Similarly, the Rottnest Island Management Plan 2003-2008 guides the Rottnest Island Authority in its management of the island (Government of Western Australia & Rottnest Island Western Australia, 2003).
Conservation reserves: The Department of Environment and Conservation uses a range of strategies implemented through individual park management plans to manage tourism impacts in the State's conservation estate. This includes developing site plans for recreation development, licensing tourism operators, managing access to sensitive environments and developing tourism infrastructure.
Accreditation and best practice: Ecotourism Australia is the peak body for the ecotourism industry that runs an Eco Certification program. Certification means the product is backed by a commitment to ecological sustainability, natural area management, and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences. Tourism operators in WA conservation reserves are also licensed according to tourism accreditation. Tourism Western Australia also provides advice to tourism businesses about best practices for nature-based activities and eco-ethics.
Ecotourism ventures: A number of ecotourism operators work closely with conservation partners to advance environmental goals. For example, Ningaloo Deep Charters has worked with researchers from CSIRO, Murdoch University and James Cook University to study whale shark behaviour. Landscope Expeditions is a joint venture between the University of Western Australia and Department of Environment and Conservation that offers visitors the opportunity to help preserve endangered wildlife and their habitats. The Dolphin Discovery Centre operates a popular tourist and research centre in Bunbury and is run by community volunteers and corporate sponsors.
Research: Through the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre, CALM, Tourism Western Australia and State universities, a partnership to research the environmental impacts of tourism in WA has been developed. Key studies have focused on the application of visitor data in protected areas, the economic value of nature tourism (Carlsen & Wood, 2004), an inventory of wildlife tourism (Sandilands, 2004) and the effectiveness of visitor management strategies in national parks (Walker, 2004). The research centre is also working on a sustainable destination model which, in the future, could act as an effective monitor of a destination's status from a sustainability point of view.
Unsustainable tourism practices have the potential to threaten the future of the $3.6 billion tourism industry in WA. Tourism relies on satisfying the needs and expectations of visitors to the State and the WA community. Research highlights the key role the natural environment plays in the decision-making process of visitors to this State. A fine line exists between encouraging tourism to a region and the need for environmental management. Declining environmental values, or limited ability to manage the natural environment for tourism, will eventually result in declining tourism numbers. A decline in tourism may threaten the social sustainability of many small regional communities. Tourism provides an economic benefit to remote communities in proximity to tourist destinations and for those landholders who choose to protect the environment.
To protect iconic natural attractions from degradation, strategies need to be developed that focus on quality experiences with higher economic returns, rather than promoting as many visitors as possible. Tourists also need to be dispersed across regions and natural icons to maximise social and environmental benefit and limit environmental impacts. The tourism sector needs to promote sustainable tourism business practices and educate visitors to appreciate and respect the environment.
9.26 Develop strategies to assist local governments in implementing sustainable tourism planning through their local plans.
9.27 Develop and promote sustainable tourism practices to the Western Australian tourism industry and market.
9.28 Assist the development of sustainable tourism products that enhance the uptake of environmental accreditation.
Purnululu National Park, in the Kimberley, is expected to have increasing numbers of visitors in the future, especially in light of its recent attainment of World Heritage Status. The Park's managing agency, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), looked at ways to ensure that the activities of commercial operators offering camp accommodation and activities would lead to more sustainable outcomes. DEC developed sustainability based selection criteria (environment, built and social) that tour operators could be audited against to assess their performance. These three criteria have been coupled with a standard DEC business sustainability selection criterion to assist in identifying financially sustainable operations.
The "Pressure-State-Response" framework, originally developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and consistent with State of the Environment Reports, was used to define a set of sustainability indicators. In the context of low impact nature-based (sustainable) tourism assessment at Purnululu National Park, pressures relate mainly to the scale and style of proposed activities. State indicators relate to the impact of the tourism activities on people and on the biophysical environment. Response indicators relate to management or engineering systems (visitor interpretation and education, landscape, architectural and engineering design).
For each pressure, state or response a range of possible measures was identified as well as a minimum standard (expected of all successful applicants) and a best practice standard (to which operators will be expected to move towards through their licence period). Applicants were also required to provide business plans and demonstrate their ability to be financially viable as well as contributing financially to the management of the park. Operators were required to consider strategies for fulfilling the indicators within the four assessment criteria (environmental, built, social and business). Minimum standards were identified to set short-term benchmarks, and strategic objectives were provided to guide operators in the application of the sustainability principles to their operations.
Nine significant key issues were identified for consideration in the development and delivery of sustainable tourism services at Purnululu. The issues ranged from impacts on the biophysical environment to less tangible aspects of sustainable tourism, such as visitor satisfaction and ethical marketing. Some of the outcomes pertinent to improving sustainability are:
1. The sustainability criteria allowed for applicants to be innovative in meeting the Department's requirements and also developing facilities that met market needs.
2. Licence conditions were developed that were consistent with the sustainability indicators that were measurable and auditable.
3. The demonstrated measure of an operator's performance can be used when assessing renewals and also assists the Department in meeting its audit responsibilities to the Purnululu Park Council (which includes traditional owners) and the Conservation Commission of WA.
4. The criteria and its subsequent uptake have significantly improved the quality and standard of the tourism product and environmental sustainability.
5. The model has been adopted in other protected areas across the State and applied to other forms of tourism activities.
