Sustainable Tourism at South Bank Parklands Report

This report provides a sustainability evaluation of South Bank Parklands, a popular tourist destination in Brisbane, Australia. The study examines the current practices related to sustainable tourism, leisure, and event management, analyzing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The report incorporates a self-reported survey outcome by field trip analysis to assess the sustainability of the park. The findings reveal that while economic sustainability performs well, there is a need for improvement in environmental and social sustainability. Recommendations are made to enhance the park's sustainable practices, including promoting biodiversity, restricting certain activities to reduce pollution, using renewable energy sources, and involving local communities in park development. The report highlights the importance of measuring sustainability and offers insights into how the park can further improve its sustainable initiatives to reduce negative environmental impacts and enhance community engagement. The study concludes with suggestions for future action and a summary of the main points, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in sustainable tourism practices at South Bank Parklands.

Running head:SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Sustainable Tourism leisure and event management
Name of Student:
Name of College:
Authors note:
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SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Executive Summary
Sustainable Tourism Leisure and Event Management is a very vital concept in context of the
tourism, leisure and event industries as it aims to promote sustainability through effective
management of the industries. The Sustainable Tourism Leisure and Event Management helps in
minimizing the negative influences which human involvement creates in the tourism, leisure and
event industries. South Bank Parklands is very popular location in Brisbane among tourists of the
region owing to high number of recreational events and facilities which are associated with it
that helps in fulfilling various motivations of tourists and visitors. As the place is very popular,
there are a large volume of tourists and visitors visiting the region which is bound to create
negative influence on environment and therefore sustainability analysis was carried out by
conducting a survey on tourists of the park. After self-reported survey outcome by our own
through field trip analysis it was revealed that there were inadequate sustainable practices
evident in daily operations of the park and therefore it is recommended that park authority adopts
various effective sustainable approach and policies to promote sustainability in the region which
will help in reducing negative influences on environment. The findings of self analysed and
reported survey report indicate that economic sustainability was the best performing dimension
in South Bank Parklands with a score of 80 out of 100, followed by social sustainability with a
score of 70 out of 100, lastly followed by environmental sustainability with a score of 60 out of
100. The findings also indicates that South Bank Parklands needs to take adequate step in order
to promote environmental sustainability such as by developing the bio-diversity of the park,
restricting certain activities in the park to reduce pollution level and using renewable sources of
energy. Though findings of the report indicates that economic sustainability is the best
performing dimension in South Bank Parklands but still the park needs to increase the number of
recreational facilities in order to generate greater revenues. The South Bank Parklands also needs
to focus on involving the local communities in the development of the park by providing them
with employment opportunities which will help in increasing their dedication towards the
development of the park.
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Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................2
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................4
2.0 What is sustainable Tourism leisure and event management?..................................................4
2.1 How does TLE relate to the Field Trip Site?.........................................................................4
3. Define stakeholders.....................................................................................................................5
4.0 Relevance of measuring sustainability......................................................................................5
4.1 Relevance of measuring sustainability..................................................................................6
4.2 How you measured sustainable TLE.....................................................................................6
5.0 Results........................................................................................................................................7
5.1 Discussion of results..............................................................................................................8
6.0 Recommendations....................................................................................................................12
7.0 Reflection.................................................................................................................................13
8.0 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................13
9.0 References................................................................................................................................14
10.0 Appendix................................................................................................................................17
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1. Introduction
Sustainability in Tourism Leisure and Event Management is very essential concept considering
negative influences on environment and therefore it is essential to ensure that sustainability is
incorporated so that it benefits environment, economy and community of the region where they
are based. Sustainable Tourism leisure and event management is defined as concepts and
practices of sustainable management which are widely acknowledged as essential factors for
tourism, leisure and event industries. This report helps in examining whether or not activities and
operations which are currently in place at South Bank Parklands helps in supporting
sustainability through analysis of results of a survey which was conducted on visitors of South
Bank Parklands. The scope of this self-reported survey outcome by our own through field trip
analysis report offers proper understanding of the sustainability factor which is observed in
South Bank Parklands with regards to environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and
social sustainability and offers recommendations regarding the same through conducting a
questionnaire based survey on the visitors which helps in getting a perception about the visitor
regarding sustainability in South Bank Parklands .
2.0 What is sustainable Tourism leisure and event management?
According to Akdogan and Hicyorulmaz (2015) Sustainable Tourism leisure and event
management is defined as concepts and practices of sustainable management which are widely
acknowledged as essential factors for tourism, leisure and event industries. These aim at
promoting sustainability with focus on fundamental concepts which have application in the
management of various forms of tourism, leisure and events.
2.1 How does TLE relate to the Field Trip Site?
As opined by Dixon (2017) tourism, leisure and event management relates to field trip site as site
location i.e. South Bank Parklands is large area in Brisbane which is very popular among tourists
and visitors owing to vast amount of recreational events and services which are evident from
field trip site. The precinct is a key driver of sustainability for Brisbane as it is a large area with
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various types of natural vegetation which is located on the southern banks of Brisbane River and
it houses 17 hectares of lush parklands and it is a centre of rich biodiversity.
3. Define stakeholders
According to Hebert (2016) stakeholders are defined as individuals, group or organizations who
are impacted by outcome of a project or they hold stake in outcomes of organization. The
stakeholders have an impact over success of a project and can be based within or outside the
organization which is sponsoring project.
As stated by Kutay and Tektüfekçi (2016) the three different dimensions of sustainability are
economic sustainability, social sustainability and environmental sustainability. The indicators of
economic sustainability in South Bank Parklands are number of hours of paid employment at the
average wage required to support basic need of the employees, diversity and vitality of local job
base in South Bank Parklands and wages paid in the local economy that are spent in the local
economy. The indicators of social sustainability in South Bank Parklands are number of
individuals trained for the job that are available in South Bank Parklands. The indicators of
environmental sustainability in South Bank Parklands are total energy used from all sources and
ratio of renewable energy used at sustainable rates compared to non-renewable energy, viable
use and generation of toxic materials and vehicle miles travelled.
4.0 Relevance of measuring sustainability
It is very important to measure sustainability in order to get proper knowledge of effectiveness of
sustainable approaches and practices adopted by an organization. As opined by Force, Manuel-
Navarrete and Benessaiah (2018) the measure of sustainability helps an organization to discover
what more needs to be done in order to increase its sustainability practices in the market and
among industry. The measurement of sustainability also helps in identifying various issues which
can prevent an organization to effectively accomplish goals and objectives related to
sustainability and even help to analyse negative impacts generated over the environment through
business operations.
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4.1 Relevance of measuring sustainability
As stated by Dixon-fowler, Ellstrand and Johnson (2017) it is very important to measure
sustainability in context of tourism, leisure and event management as its measurement provides
information regarding negative aspects which these industries generates over environment. The
measurement of sustainability helps tourism, leisure and event management industry to identify
different issues which prevents them to effectively accomplish goals related to sustainability and
helps them to develop their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
4.2 How you measured sustainable TLE.
Sustainable Tourism, Leisure and Event Management have been measured by undertaking self-
reported and self analysed survey by our own through field trip on South Bank Parkland. As
opined by Farmaki, Constanti, Yiasemi and Karis (2014) an understanding of the sustainability
of a tourist location can be evaluated by analysing the perception of the location among the
tourists and therefore it was decided that we make a questionnaire on our own and answer that by
our own through field trip that would be undertaken to evaluate sustainability in South Bank
Parklands. The questionnaire had questions with multiple choices and these were self reported
accordingly and then self analysed in order to get a measure of sustainability.
Lesson learnt while preparing for field
trip
Lesson learnt after field trip
Before the field trip in South Bank
Parklands, it was very essential to select an
appropriate sustainability measurement tool
in order to measure sustainability in
effective manner. As stated by Golja and
Slivar (2014) while preparing for a field
trip it was also essential to ensure that the
questions which were included in survey
were relevant in nature to provide
appropriate findings.
After the field trip the most important lesson that
was learnt was self analysed point of view
regarding sustainability
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67% of the visitors
reached the park
through bicycle.
71% of the visitors will
recommend the park to
their friends and relatives
77% of the visitors
believe that
tourism has not
impacted the
economy of South
Bank in a negative
manner.
81% of the visitors
believe that Big
Wheel has
impacted the
economy positively
in South Bank.
87% of the visitors
believe that solar energy
will be the most
important source of
energy for South Bank in
next 10 years.
60% of the visitors believe that the
innovation which was presented
was somewhat innovative
67% of the visitors
believe that their
sustainability
tourism experience
was neutral in
South Bank
Parklands.
91% of the visitors believe
that the field trip during the
day time was extremely safe.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
5.0 Results
A survey questionnaire on our own was prepared and answered by our own through field trip of
South Bank Parklands that was self analysed and reported survey.
The key findings of self-reported survey outcome that were important in context of economic,
environmental and social sustainability in terms of South Bank Parklands are as follows:
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The results of self-reported survey outcome indicate that the South Bank is economically
sustainable in nature due to the presence of large number of revenue generating options and also
due to the government funding which are received by the park for its developmental purpose.
From the social point of view it can be stated that the park is not up to the satisfactory mark
regarding social sustainability as it does not involve the local community in the development of
the park and neither provide them with adequate growth options which restrains the local
community from contributing to improve sustainability of the park. From the environmental
point of view it can be stated that though the park has adopted various initiatives which promotes
environmental sustainability such as sustainable water source, cycling facilities, waste bin
facilities but it still lacks behind regarding sustainability as the South Bank Parklands do not
recycle the waste bins on a regular basis or does not adopt any steps to reduce air population at
the time of various events and gatherings as a result of increased pressure in the eateries.
5.1 Discussion of results
From analysis of Question 1 of self-reported survey outcome it can be observed that majority of
visitors used bicycle as mode of transport to make their way to South Bank Parklands which
reflects that visitors are aware of the importance of sustainability for South Bank Parklands. As
opined by Hopkins, Read and Goss (2017) from analysis of Question 2 and 3 it can be found that
majority of visitors had come to know about South Bank Parklands from website of Visit
Brisbane and also from social media and majority of them have visited the park earlier which
means that websites and social media act as important promotional tool for South Bank
Parklands. From analysis of Question 4 and 5 it can be observed that majority of respondents
believe that there are ample opportunities of socialization and enjoyment at South Bank
Parklands and it is a local sense of pride which indicates that services offered by South Bank
Parklands satisfies requirements of tourists. As stated by Joosse and Brydges (2018) from
analysis of Question 6 and 7 it can be observed that majority of respondents believed that South
Bank precinct indigenous program helped in promoting diversity at workplace but shift work and
lack of career structure accounts for lack of staffing at South Bank Parklands which indicates
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that they need to restructure their HR policies and also need to focus on promoting diversity to
prevent lack of job takers.
From analysis of Question 8 it can be observed that majority of respondents considered South
Bank Parklands as an overcrowded area due to increasing congestion at the time of major events
and therefore it must focus on expanding its area. Moreover, from analysis of Question 9 and 10
it can be stated that majority of respondents felt that both employment and tourism will be
helpful in generating revenue for South Bank Parklands and majority of visitors were not sure
whether tourism plays an important role in conserving heritage buildings at South Bank
Parklands which indicates that authority of the park should focus on increasing tourism facilities
and attractions in the park and also increase employment. According to Zolfania, Sedaghat,
Maknoon and Zavadskas (2015) from analysis of Question 11 and 12 it can be observed that
majority of visitors considered that Queensland Art Gallery and Museum helped in fulfilling
educational requirements of visitors and the Australian Day Celebrations created the greatest
sense of socialization and enjoyment among visitors which indicates that the park needs to
develop other sites in order to fulfil educational requirement and also promote other major events
to attract more visitors. From analysis of Question 13 and 14 it can be found that majority of
visitors believed that tourism is not harmful for South Bank Parklands and creating awareness
about various environmental issues will help in contributing positively to environment of South
Bank Parklands and therefore the authority must focus on creating an alertness among visitors
regarding environmental issues affecting tourism.
From analysis of Question 15, 16 and 17 it can be observed that Queensland Art Gallery,
Brisbane Exhibition and Convention centres together helped in generating maximum revenue for
local economy and tourism and does not have negative impact on economy of South Bank
Parklands and indirectly contributes through imposition of taxes on goods and services sold to
tourists which contributes largely to local economy and hence indicates that the authority needs
to increase the services available in South Bank Parklands for visitors in order to support local
economy. According to Whitehead (2017) from analysis of Question 18 and 19 it can be
observed that tourist attraction such as Big Wheel and South Bank Markets have has positively
impacted local economy which indicates that many more attractions and services are required to
be set up to benefit economy. From the analysis of Question 20, 21, 22 and 23 it can be observed
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that though majority of visitors have evidenced recycle bins at South Bank Parklands but
majority of them experienced comparatively less application of these recycle bins. It was also
found that majority of visitors did not notice any signage regarding how to recycle and the
authority occasionally carries out recycling process which indicates that lack of recycling
approach, signage and activity does not helps in promoting sustainability for the park. As opined
by Arvizu-piña and Cuchí Burgos (2017) from analysis of Question 24, 25 and 26 it can be found
that majority of visitors felt that cleanliness of place was average, technology presented is
somewhat innovative in nature and free services available in the park was neutral in nature which
indicates requirement of more efforts regarding cleanliness, development of innovative
technology in the area and offering of frees services for other important activities.
From analysis of Question 27, 28, 29 it can be observed that majority of visitors were slightly
concerned about air pollution in South Bank Parklands they believed that people get to solve
environmental problems once in a while and the environment of park cannot recover fully by
itself which is caused by humans and therefore it indicates that it is very important for South
Bank Parklands authority to reduce air pollution by working in collaboration with visitors of the
place. From analysis of Question 30 it can be stated that majority of visitors felt that solar power
will be the most important source of energy in South Bank Parklands and therefore authority
must invest heavily in development of solar power projects. According to Silvia Inês and
Charbel José (2015) from analysis of Question 31, 32 and 33 it can be observed that majority of
visitor considered South Bank Parklands to be very safe in nature but also reported that there is
lack of cultural information booths in the park and there is no effect of reasonability in the
precinct, which indicates that the authority should set up multiple cultural information booths in
various areas of the park and should also develop reasonability of precinct in order to attract
more visitors in the park. From analysis of Question 34, 35 and 36 it can be observed that
majority of visitors perceived that government funding has been well utilized by South Bank
Parklands but there is requirement of more money in order to increase its service portfolio and
attract visitors, but majority of visitors also reported that local people have not been benefitted by
the park and therefore the park should design and implement various initiatives to support local
indigenous people.
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From analysis of Question 37 and 38 it can be stated that majority of visitors valued social media
platforms and past visits as informational sources to collect information regarding their visit and
majority of them are motivated by parkland experience and participation in social events which
indicate that park authority should design more social media targeted activities to attract more
visitors and increase number of tourist attraction and social events. As stated by Jang (2016)
from analysis of Question 39,40 and 41 it can be stated that majority of visitors recommended
South Bank Parklands for visit to their friends and families but many were neutrally satisfied
with the sustainability practices of the park and also culture and heritages were neutrally labelled
in park which indicates that park authority should adopt more sustainable practices and should
also adequately label cultures and heritage so that visitors highly recommend the park for visit to
their friends and families. From analysis of Question 42, 43 and 44 it can be stated that majority
of visitors perceived that field trip was right in order to collect all information but service quality
in South Bank Parklands was low and local community participation was also fair in nature
which indicates that park authority needs to highly develop service quality and also increase
participation of local community to attract more visitors and to promote sustainability.
As opined by Jurigová (2016) from analysis of Question 45 and 46 it can be stated that majority
of visitor got some information before visiting the park and value for money for food and cuisine
was average which indicates that park authority needs to provide more information to visitors
regarding the park that would help visitors in better decision making process regarding visiting
South Bank Parklands and park authority must also ensure that visitors receive high value for
money spent on food and cuisines. From analysis of Question 47 it can be stated that majority of
visitor liked the river-side view experience of the park and availability of various food and
dining options whereas from analysis of Question 48 it can be stated that majority of visitors
expected various improvements in the parkland in form of increased recreational experiences and
availability of culture and heritage information.
From the analysis of self-reported survey outcome it was observed that economic sustainability
recorded a score of 80 out of 100, social sustainability recorded a score of 70 out of 100 and
environmental sustainability recorded a score of 60 out of 100. Therefore it can be easily stated
that environmental sustainability dimension recorded the lowest score and economic
sustainability recorded the highest score. From the analysis of self-reported survey outcome it
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can be analysed that as there were greater sources of revenue generation in the South Bank
Parklands, therefore the economic sustainability of the South Bank Parklands is higher than other
sustainability parameters. From the analysis self-reported survey outcome it can be also stated
that environmental sustainability recorded the lowest score in the analysis as there were various
environmental concern which were observed during the field trip such as lack of recycling
activities and increased level of air pollution. The findings of the sustainability results are not
consistent with the sustainability scores of other location as the other tourist attraction mostly
recorded lower scores in economic sustainability due to availability of lesser revenue generation
options.
6.0 Recommendations
Dimension Recommendations
Economic Sustainability To develop an advertising campaign for the
park specially designed for social media
platforms with detailed information about the
park in order to attract more visitors.
As stated by Chen, Zhuowei (Joy) Huang and
Cai (2014) the park should increase amount of
tourist attractions and recreational activities in
the park to attract more visitors
Social Sustainability Engaging the local communities in the
development of the park and providing them
with employment opportunity.
Employ individuals from diverse backgrounds
in order to promote sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability As stated by Bhuiyan, Siwar and Ismail (2016)
the park should implement restrictions on
certain activities which lead to pollution.
Focussing of weekly recycling of the wastes
generated.
Using renewable sources of energy in the
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