Heritage objects as a resource for the development of tourism within the states and territories of Australia

Abstract

The article discusses the Australian heritage sites as a resource base for the introduction of new tourist destinations. The relevance of the study of Australian tourism resources related to the increase in tourist flow, the prospects for the development of various types of tourism and the growing interest Ukrainian tourists are taking in this country is substantiated. The significant tourist potential of the country, the uniqueness and specificity of its components are highlighted: natural (primarily, vegetation and wildlife, as well as relief and climate), historical and cultural objects.It is noted the historical and cultural potential deserves to be in greater demand, because a large number of objects of historical and cultural heritage retain and disseminate authentic information about the historical past of the country, its ethnic, cultural characteristics and traditions. The purpose of the work is to explore the distribution of various heritage objects within the states and territories of Australia as an important resource for the development of various types of tourism. The database of the research is the information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the website of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The paper analyses and assesses the number, composition, and degree of diversity of heritage sites and theirlocations on the territory of administrative units. The study was completed using methods of mapping, geographical analysis, information analysis techniques, namely the calculation of the entropy index. It was found that the regions of Australia provide outstanding diverse and unique resources, which creates preconditions for the development of new tourist destinations and the further growth of the tourism industry. The states and territories with the largest number and diverse composition of heritage sites and significant potential opportunities for the development of various types of tourism are identified. It was noted that Australia is a new active tourist destination for Ukrainian tourists that has significant prospects. Inaddition to the classic excursion routes and visits to wildlife parks, there are popular combined routes such as: excursion program with a beach holiday; combination of excursions with active tourism; professional training programs for agricultural workers combined with visiting heritage sites and beach recreation.New tourist routes are associated with the development of author’s tours with a unique program in accordance with the features of the country and the wishes of tourists and the wider use of the country’s historical and cultural heritage.