Tourism needs urgent plan

AUSTRALIA’s tourism industry urgently needs a “clear, intense and demonstrable” plan for environmental recovery from governments, Ecotourism Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Elissa Keenen has warned.

The grave assessment was made in light of the grim findings released by the Federal Government this week in its latest State of the Environment Report, which found that climate change, habitat loss, invasive species and pollution have devastated Australia’s natural environment over the last five years.

“While it is heartening to see the new Federal Government looking seriously to mitigate the impact, we cannot delay action any further,” Keenen stressed.

“Australia’s natural environment is a key attraction for people around the world, tourists come to [our country] for its environment, its wildlife, and to enjoy national parks, reefs, rainforests and deserts.

“If our wildlife and natural environment are in trouble so too is Australia’s overall outlook.”

Keenan also said that the latest impact report, which indicated that 19 ecosystems are on the brink of collapse and Australia has lost more wildlife to extinction over the last 10 years than any other continent, should be a major wake-up call for tourism operators and travel sellers.

“There is a growing demand for nature-based tourism and experiences... and without urgent action... there will be a clear and direct impact on the tourism industry,” she said.

“Tourism operators... are directly impacted by significant weather events resulting from climate change and as these events happen with more frequency... the impact is more significant.”