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Nature Destined To Sustain Tourism

The licensing system for Victoria’s 246 public land tour operator and activity providers is being reviewed to encourage a more sustainable nature based tourism industry.

By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 2nd February 2006 - Back to News

The licensing system for Victoria’s 246 public land tour operator and activity providers is being reviewed to encourage a more sustainable nature based tourism industry, higher operating standards and more business investment, according to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

A Directions Paper, released today, has been developed to respond to industry requests for a clearer system and more business security. It will also provide guidance for maintaining the beauty and condition of the State’s natural assets that are at the heart of the industry’s success and future.

Deputy Secretary of Land Stewardship and Biodiversity, DSE, Kevin Love, said that with a tourism industry worth an estimated $8.5 billion dollars to the Victorian economy, a simple and effective licensing system was crucial in making sure that what we love most about the places we visit remains that way.

"Nature based tourism is one of the most important markets within the tourism industry. It already makes a significant contribution to Victoria’s economy and has great potential for the future.

"Visitors to National Parks contribute around $480 million to the economy and visits to State Forests are valued at over $12 million.

"Our Alpine Resorts bring in an estimated $77.1 million from visitors throughout the year, while visits to Victoria’s beaches and coastline are estimated at an impressive $734 million.

"An improved licensing system will mean that the needs of the tourism and recreation sector are met, while protecting the very environment that the industry depends on.

"Higher quality visitor experiences will inevitably follow," Mr Love said.

The Directions Paper, which sets out the objectives for reforming the public land tour operator and activity provider licensing system, is available for public comment until Wednesday 29^th March.

"The Directions Paper being released today is the first step in making sure that we have a consistent, statewide approach to managing commercial recreation and tourism activities dependent on our natural environment.

"It strives to meet the fundamental right of all Victorians to access our spectacular parks, forests and reserves for their own personal enjoyment.

"It will help secure access to public land for everyone and sustain a vibrant industry for the future," said Mr Love.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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