Tourism experts from around the world will map a pathway for ‘just-right tourism’ in a bid to overcome under-tourism at an annual international symposium held at Curtin University this week.
The 2019 Tourism Research Cluster Symposium, hosted by Curtin University in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Parks and Wildlife Services), will be held at the Curtin University Medical School on Wednesday, February 20.
The symposium titled From Under-Tourism to Just-Right-Tourism: Asian, European, American and Australian Perspectives will outline key lessons from international, national and local perspectives about the appropriate pathways to support Western Australia’s future approach to tourism development.
Symposium Co-Chair Professor Christof Pforr, from the School of Marketing at Curtin University, said the symposium would bring together academia, industry and government representatives from around Australia and the world.
“The tourism industry is constantly evolving and it is important to learn from current and previous experiences from our international colleagues and keep up to date with the current trends that help attract international tourists to Western Australia,” Professor Pforr said.
Dr Michael Volgger, Co-Director of the Tourism Research Cluster at Curtin University, emphasised that Asian and European markets are currently struggling with overcrowded cities and beaches, which in some destinations has even sparked violent protests by residents against tourism.
“Overcrowding is still a growing issue globally and something that needs to be managed appropriately. Being able to develop ideas and plans that encourage the right level of visitation to a destination continues to be critical,” Dr Volgger said.
“This symposium will offer a great opportunity to learn from over-tourism experiences and develop tourism plans that support local residents and businesses in Western Australia and protect our unique nature and culture, while also attracting the right number of international and domestic tourists to the State.”
Presentations on the day will focus on new forms of luxury tourism experiences and suggest how WA might capitalise on these developments, the management of over-crowded attraction points in China, as well as the current perception of over-crowding in many European destinations. A panel discussion with local industry experts will reflect on learnings and opportunities from these developments to attract the right number of international tourists to WA and its unspoilt natural environment.
Further information on the symposium and how to register can be found here.
