A Case for Supply-led Nature-based Tourism Within the Marine and Coastal Temperate Systems of South-Eastern Australia

Abstract

The region of south-eastern Australia has significant potential for the development of sustainable nature-based tourism. In particular, the three sites of Refuge Cove at Wilsons Promontory, the Kent group of islands in Bass Strait, and the Port Davey region of south-west Tasmania provide good examples of where tourism product may be developed, as they each possess high conservation value, environmental and aesthetic appeal, as well as potential for niche market tourism activities. In order to clarify the issues surrounding this proposition, the concepts of sustainable tourism and ecotourism are discussed. Additionally, a review is made of the issues which may compromise sustainable tourism generally. A key role in this process is that of the ecologist in providing environmental information for managers and planners who utilise this in the formulation of a management framework within which the tourism operator may develop product. Optimisation of sustainable outcomes is perhaps more likely to occur for supply-led tourism development where environmental monitoring, training and interpretation provide for adaptive management and prevention of impact.