Call to share the spoils of tourism

A TAX on tourists and forcing developers to sponsor local community parks or groups could help Hobart residents feel they are benefiting from the Tasmanian tourism industry, a university professor says.

University of Tasmania cultural heritage and tourism Professor Can Seng Ooi disagrees with Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie’s view that mass tourism is detrimental to Hobart.

“I don’t think there are any cities that have been killed by mass tourism, only cities that have been killed by poor planning and regulation,” Prof Ooi said.

“It’s not like tourism is a wild beast that cannot be tamed.

“It’s not like we are hopeless and helpless.”

Ald Christie has come under heavy criticism from the tourism and business sector for his comments in Monday’s Mercury that Hobart was the fastest selling capital in the country and “if we continue to move at this rate, the heart of our city and community will be destroyed”.

He has also criticised Dark Mofo for crossing the line on decency in recent years.

Ald Marti Zucco and Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey have called for Ald Christie to step down, a call Ald Christie has rejected.

Prof Ooi said Hobart could not rely on public opinion to determine tourism policies.

“There is plenty of kneejerk reaction to single-issue problems which is not great for the long term,” he said.

“One of the biggest challenges is that the community is not benefiting from tourism developments.

“[Have] a tourist tax or whenever you have a huge tourism development, make sure the business helps the community through sponsoring a park or a local art group.”