The Year 9/10 ‘Interconnected world’ Geography students, who have studied recreational, historical, wilderness and ecotourism, welcomed into their classroom the inspiring Mark Cuthell, Coordinator of the Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre. Mark questioned students about what they expected from their own holidays whilst thinking about the concept of people, planet and profit. Students learnt about the opportunities and challenges that 2.2 million visitors bring to our region and the pros and cons of tourist buses vs FITs (Free Independent Travellers) with jousting selfie sticks often at 2.00pm. Visitors to the southwest can aspire for years to visit our region as it is far removed from their urban or rural reality with the potential to entice some visitors to stay longer to provide income in our region whilst minimizing environmental impact a priority. Students learnt that the role of the Visitor Information Centre had changed as less people came through the doors but more people sought information via their website and social media posts. Tourists were welcomed to investigate Dark Skies Tourism to photograph stars in our clear skies, cycling trails, the Great Ocean Walk, rail trails, pre wedding shoot tourism, spa and wellness tourism, agritourism, the 12 Apostles Food Trail and ‘Cool tourism’ for tourists from humid or hot climates during winter. Mark explained that Google states that the consumer never switches off from planning their travel experiences as demonstrated by the cycle, “I DREAM - I DECIDE - I PLAN & RESEARCH - I BOOK – I TRAVEL – I BRAG & REFLECT – I DREAM…” He left students with the 2030 challenge for Port Campbell, Timboon and the 12 Apostles to become ”The world’s most sustainable and aspirational nature based tourism destination.” What needs to happen to make it the best holiday destination and the best place to live on the planet? What needs to change and what needs to stay the same? Comments are closed.
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April 2024
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