Tourism Planning Environment Report: Australian Market Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the tourism planning environment, focusing on the Australian market. It begins with an introduction to sustainable tourism and its growing popularity, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment and enhancing visitor experiences. The report analyzes two discussion papers, one focusing on Western Australia and the other on South Australia, comparing their structures and key issues. The analysis includes an examination of policy planning cycles, opportunities for sustainable tourism, and the identification of key issues such as tourism growth, policy development, environmental risks, and labor shortages. The report then compares and contrasts the two papers, highlighting the different approaches to tourism development in each region. It concludes with a reflection on the knowledge gained, the challenges faced by the tourism industry, and potential policy solutions for sustainable growth. The report underscores the significance of customer engagement, infrastructure development, and skill development in fostering a thriving tourism sector.

TOURISM PLANNING
ENVIRONMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
DISCUSSION ON TWO DISCUSSION PAPERS.........................................................................1
COMPARE AND CONTRAST TWO PAPERS............................................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFLECTION.................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION
In the modern era, the concept of sustainable tourism has gained popularity at a faster
pace where it is all about taking initiatives with the motive to protect surroundings. Further, the
concept of sustainable tourism is all about enhancing experience, reflecting community values,
authenticity, and differentiation (Austrlia 2002). All these kind of attributes makes the concept of
sustainable tourism different from others in every possible manner. Apart from this, tourism has
played the most significant role in the economic development of every nation and the initiative
level of the government towards development of tourism is quite high. In the present study, two
articles have been selected which focuses on the sustainable tourism and the overall development
of tourism in the Australian market. Further, both the discussion paper selected have been
analyzed where they are compared along with this the key issues discussed in both the papers
have been discussed for better understanding.
DISCUSSION ON TWO DISCUSSION PAPERS
The first discussion paper tourism and transport forum that focuses on the tourism market
in Western Australia. Further, the country has natural assets and unspoiled environment to make
it a drawcard for the visitors (Bramwell 2015). The development of the industry has taken place
with the help of hubs that can be promoted through effective marketing. The overall structure of
the present discussion paper is appropriate as it firstly highlights the economic development in
the Western Australia along with the employment statistics. Sustainable outcomes have been
highlighted that focuses on the influence of tourism on the surroundings. The future of Western
Australia tourism has been undertaken concerning the growing demand for tourism. Regional
developments of destinations are taken place.
On the other hand, other discussion paper is associated with sustainable tourism
development in the regional South Australia (Cohen et al. 2014). Further, in this paper also
proper format has been followed which starts with tourism in South Australia, opportunities
present, policy planning framework, etc. It also focuses on the concept of eco- tourism and
sustainable tourism where these concepts have gained popularity in the modern era as compared
with the past.
For analyzing the structure of both the discussion papers policy planning cycle has been
undertaken whose states are as follows:
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Analysis of opportunities: In both the discussion papers opportunities associated with the
development of sustainable tourism have been highlighted concerning Western and South
Australia. Further, the range of opportunities present in the tourism industry has also been
undertaken to analyze them in the better manner (Dredge & Jamal 2013). Apart from this, the
concept of product development and innovation in the industry has also been considered to
understand the opportunities associated with sustainable tourism. In both the discussion papers
opportunities have been identified that are linked to the tourism and in turn has allowed
understanding the concept of sustainable tourism in the better manner.
Identifying the aim of the plan: The discussion papers on the concept of sustainable tourism
have allowed in understanding why sustainable tourism concept is gaining popularity at the
faster pace (Forum 2007). Further, it has highlighted what kind of experience can nature based
tourism provides.
Exploring options: In this stage, it is analyzed what is the present stage of sustainable tourism in
the specific country and what is required to be changed (Mahadevan 2014).
Selecting the best option: Selection of the most feasible option takes place like the particular
tourism destination that can be developed for attracting visitors.
Detailed planning: Plan is prepared for implementation of the option that is being selected.
Evaluation of the plan: In this stage, evaluation takes place like whether the sustainable tourism
plan developed has raised demand for tourism in the market or not (Juvan & Dolnicar 2014).
Implementing change: Changes takes place by evaluation for the betterment of the industry
Closing the plan: It is the last stage where the plan is closed after considering its pros and cons.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST TWO PAPERS
On comparing the two discussion papers, it has been identified that in the Western
Australia initiatives have been taken with the motive to increase tourism demand in the nation.
Further, the concept of sustainable tourism has been undertaken where initiatives have been
taken to develop a large number of destinations and to attract tourists towards the same. The role
of tourism in the economic development of Australia has been highlighted such as the
introduction of tourism policy which must focus on developing infrastructure and product that
can lead to enhanced leisure tourism product (Miller, Merrilees & Coghlan 2015). Apart from
this, the future of tourism in the WA has also been predicted. The concept of regional destination
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development has also been undertaken where some tourist attractions can be undertaken with the
motive to attract tourists in the society.
On the other hand, another discussion paper which is based on the concept of sustainable
tourism development highlights the demand for tourism in the Australian market. Further, it has
shown why the concept of sustainability is important along with its key attributes such as
enhancing the experience, value adding, authenticity, etc (Ruhanen 2013). Apart from this, it
highlights the benefits of tourism for regional development, the concept of sustainable tourism,
nature based tourism and eco tourism. Overall the main focus of this discussion paper is on
sustainable practices that can be adopted for the development of the tourism industry (Ruhanen,
Whitford & McLennan 2015). The key facing tourism industry have been highlighted which
involves design challenges such as material, color, waste management, reducing the impact of
motor vehicle, etc.
KEY ISSUES
Both the discussion paper focuses on the below mentioned issues:
 Nature of tourism growth in South Australia
 How to develop effective policies for taking advantage of tourism opportunities
 How to encourage tourism so as to add value to specific area
 Whether to introduce broad policy framework that promotes sustainable tourism
 Design, construction and maintenance of tourism
 Environmental risks
 Security and certainty of investment and return on investment
 Labor and skill shortage that influences quality of service
 Consumer engagement is the main issue where customers are not engaged
 Ineffective planning and infrastructure
PROVIDING CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS
The above mentioned issues have adversely affected the sustainable tourism practice in
the Australian market. Further, customer engagement is the main challenge faced where
sustainable tourism is not able to gain attention for international visitors. Apart from this, labor
and skill shortage are adversely affecting the operations where customers need are not satisfy as
per their requirement. Ineffective infrastructure is acting as main hurdle where it is necessary to
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have proper infrastructure so as to promote tourism in the Australian market. All these issues are
required to be tackled in proper manner so as to develop this tourism in every possible manner.
INDENTIFYING POLICY SOLUTIONS AND INSTRUMENTS
Some of the key policy solutions and instruments which can be used to deal with the
above identified issues
 The business operating in tourism industry should focus more on sustainability. It will
help in protection of environment which is a major concern
 National tourism strategic plan can be developed to carry out smooth flow of all
operations and activities within the industry. It will also support in enhancing the
existing infrastructure
 Proper formation and implementation of policies linked with sustainable tourism is
another possible solution to overcome the identified issues
 Training and skill development can be conducted to deal with issues linked with shortage
of skill and talented labour.
 The Government should emphasize more on investing financial and technological
resources in the industry with an objective to achieve the desired outcomes linked with
economic growth, sustainability and employment.
CONCLUSION
On analyzing the two discussion papers that are associated with tourism it has been found
that concept of sustainable tourism is gaining popularity. Further, it highlights the issues linked
with the nature of tourism growth in the South Australia, ways to encourage tourism, introducing
broad policy framework, etc. Apart from this, the ways have been identified through tourism can
be developed with the help of marketing and another form of tactics.
REFLECTION
By analyzing both the discussion papers I have gained knowledge about the tourism
concept. My analysis skill has been enhanced by undertaking this research. Further, my
knowledge level has enhanced in relation with the sustainable tourism and what are the reasons
behind the rise in demand for this tourism. Apart from this, before undertaking this research, I
was not aware of the recent developments taking place in the tourism industry, and this has
allowed in enhancing professional skills and knowledge. Through the knowledge and skills
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obtained I can easily writer my own discussion paper. Further, I came to know about the proper
structure which is undertaken at the time of writing discussion paper such as the overview of the
industry, developments taking place, reasons behind rising demand for particular tourism, etc.
Through these discussion papers, I gained knowledge about the issues that are faced by
the tourism industry of the Australia and how they can be tackled. Apart from this, I came to
know how the concept of nature based tourism and the reasons why tourists are easily attracted
towards this type of tourism. Before undertaking this research, my knowledge was restricted, and
I was not at all aware different concepts that are associated with the tourism industry. I gained
insight in relation to the tourism industry of Australia along with the employment opportunities
and recent developments that have taken place. Further, the initiatives taken by the government
in tourism development are also appreciable. Different plans and policies have been framed with
the motive to promote the concept of sustainability and its role in the development of tourism
concept. So, in this way, the overall experience gained by conducting this research was
beneficial for me.
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REFERENCES
Austrlia, GOS 2002, SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, viewed 24 August 2017,
<http://satic.com.au/images/uploads/industry_resources/STDRSANov02.pdf>.
Bramwell, B 2015, 'Theoretical activity in sustainable tourism research', Annals of Tourism
Research, vol 54, pp. 204-218.
Cohen, SA, Higham, JE, Stefan, G & Peeters, P 2014, Understanding and governing sustainable
tourism mobility: Psychological and behavioural approaches , Routledge, Abingdon.
Dredge, D & Jamal, T 2013, 'Mobilities on the Gold Coast, Australia: Implications for
destination governance and sustainable tourism', Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol 21, no. 4,
pp. 557-579.
Forum, T&T 2007, Comment on the Tourism Western Australia Tourism 2020 Discussion paper,
viewed 24 August 2017, <http://www.ttf.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TTF-Tourism-WA-
2020-Discussion-Paper-2008.pdf>.
Juvan, E & Dolnicar, S 2014, 'The attitude–behaviour gap in sustainable tourism', Annals of
Tourism Research, vol 48, pp. 76-95.
Mahadevan, R 2014, ' Understanding senior self-drive tourism in Australia using a contingency
behavior model', Journal of Travel Research, vol 53, no. 2, pp. 252-259.
Miller, D, Merrilees, B & Coghlan, A 2015, 'Sustainable urban tourism: understanding and
developing visitor pro-environmental behaviours', Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol 23, no. 1,
pp. 26-46.
Ruhanen, L 2013, ' Local government: facilitator or inhibitor of sustainable tourism
development?', Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol 21, no. 1, pp. 80-98.
Ruhanen, L, Whitford, M & McLennan, CL 2015, 'Indigenous tourism in Australia: Time for a
reality check', Tourism Management, vol 48, pp. 73-83.
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