The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has today launched the Kentish Destination Visitor Survey which shows positive community perceptions towards tourism in Kentish, Tasmania.
Tourism is a $32 million industry for the Municipality of Kentish. The area receives 107,000 domestic overnight visitors and 19,000 international visitors annually.
Almost 95 percent of survey respondents believe tourism has a positive impact on the local community. It is seen to provide jobs and income for local businesses; improve customer service; contribute to improved community facilities and town maintenance and contribute to the overall quality of life for the people of Kentish. It also received the strongest positive response for communities in Tasmania.
Survey respondents also highlighted some of the challenges of tourism including increased road traffic and difficulties with parking, although 85 percent of respondents were happy to see continued tourism growth.
Minister Ferguson said: "With grass-roots support, the Kentish tourism industry can further develop, and increase in value to the local community. Tourism is the life blood of many regional communities like those within the Kentish Municipality.
"The findings of this research reinforce the understanding by the local community of the economic, social and environmental benefits of tourism and the need to manage its impacts. The Australian Government is assisting tourism to realise its full potential as part of our National Long-Term Tourism Strategy.
"The Strategy includes an ambitious work program, backed by $2.2 million in new funding. For the first time, Australia will have a consistent national tourism agenda to drive growth in the sector. We will work with industry and state and territory governments on supply side issues to further strengthen our position in the global tourism market for the benefits of all areas including Tasmania and its regions."
Mr Adams said: "The residents of Kentish are proud of the region's stunning natural icons, such as Cradle Mountain, its status as Tasmania's outdoor art gallery and the various events held each year, like Mural Fest. I am pleased to see the community appreciating the benefits from the tourism dollar."
The Australian Government is also investing in tourism marketing to increase international and domestic demand for Australian tourism. Tourism Australia's new global marketing campaign "There's Nothing Like Australia' will showcase Australia to the world.
Minister Ferguson said: "Australians have shared their favourite destination or experience on the campaign website www.nothinglikeaustralia.com . We are using technology to amplify the power of word of mouth marketing. Over 25,000 people have uploaded their experiences to the campaign website.
"This campaign relies on participation of ordinary, everyday visitors. Communities like Kentish can benefit from the campaign as it promotes local areas to domestic and international visitors."
The Kentish Destination Visitor Survey is part of the Stage 2: Social Impacts of Tourism in Tasmania's Communities study, funded by Tourism Research Australia and supported by Tourism Tasmania. The study seeks to gauge community perceptions of tourism, and will be used to assist with the future planning and marketing activities of Tourism Tasmania.
The Kentish Destination Visitor Survey can be downloaded from www.ret.gov.au/tra