Economic
Tourism is an economic driver of the Western Australian economy and is expected to continue its strong growth in future years. It also provides many jobs for people, for every 100 people employed in Western Australia, around 6 are as a result of the tourism industry.
Over the period from 2001/02 to 2005/06, tourism GVA( Gross Value added) in Western Australia increased by 29% while tourism’s contribution to GSP( Gross state Product) increased by 27%. These strong economic growth rates exceeded price increases, indicating an increase in both nominal and terms
Environmental
One of the changes made by tourism in Australia is environmental impacts and awareness
the Great Barrier Reef is an example of a tourism destination in Australia, it is visited by over two million people, which generates more than $AU2 billion in tourism dollars, making tourism a major earner for the north-eastern Australian economy. Tourism on the Great Barrier Reef is concentrated in the Whitsundays and Cairns due to their accessibility. These areas make up 7% of the Park's area.
Tourism in Australia has a significant "carbon footprint”, this is largely composed of emissions from aviation this leads to and increased emission in greenhouse gases and rising temperature. Due to climate change, the reef has suffered from negative environmental impacts like coral bleaching, algal blooms and pesticide pollution. Deproving water quality has also affected the reef.
2003, the Australian and Queensland governments launched a joint initiative to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef. The reefs delicate nature has increased environmental awareness. Management of tourism in the Great Barrier Reef is geared towards making tourism ecologically sustainable.
Improvement of Infrastructure
In support of tourism, facilities and infrastructure are improved of developed, to cater to the tourist needs. For instance the 2000 Sydney Olympics equipped the city with international sporting stadiums, improved transport amenities and airport services, this also improved the life of the host community.
Social
People are more exposed to different cultures, they are able to gain more knowledge and insight on different cultures, and this will be culturally tolerant.
Greater efforts to protect the cultural values and traditions of the aboriginal communities have also been recognised.
Has tourism been a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions?
I feel that tourism has not commodifyed cultures in Australia. Globalization, which is one of the driving factors of tourism, has brought brands like McDonald's and Hard rock cafe into Australia, but the essence of Australian culture is still very present in the Australian Society today.
Aboriginal communities, which are a form of tourism, are now greater protected. Visitors are only allowed to enter through the approval of the aboriginal community; the choice is up to them. In this way, all the places that are special to them can be kept more sacred and authentic.
Places like Gold coast have been commercialised in some sense, and is a heavy tourist spot. However, the true sense of 'Aussie' culture has not been changed; they still love the beach, love spots and their friends and family. If anything, it has made them more tolerant of each other and more culturally verse.
I feel that Australia is are more focused on promoting their culture to everyone, rather than trying to conform to the globalised culture that is spreading rapidly
I feel that Australia is are more focused on promoting their culture to everyone, rather than trying to conform to the globalised culture that is spreading rapidly
