Enablers and Barriers of Tourism as a Driver of Economic and Social‐cultural Growth in Remote Queensland

Abstract

Regional and remote tourism in Australia is characterised by micro-, smalland medium-sized businesses, spatially dispersed and fragmented. Characteristics which present unique challenges for these communities attempting to develop tourism as a way of diversifying their economy. This study explored the views and experiences from residents and businesses in six remote local government areas in South Western Queensland to identify the barriers and enablers for remote communities to using tourism as a driver of economic and social-cultural growth. We found a lack of understanding of the structure and behaviour of the tourism industry; a lack of business acumen; a lack of financial and human resources; and a reluctance to collaborate by tourism businesses to be barriers to tourism-led economic growth. Enablers to tourism led growth included: local government support for tourism development; a sound understanding of the mechanics and structure of the tourism industry; and the capacity to engage in marketing that captured and narrated the visitor experience in digital channels.

Local tourist accommodation and institutional strengthening in the interior of the Algarve, Portugal

“…This study analyzed the official statistics on local accommodation establishments, Spatially fragmented and dispersed micro-or medium-sized businesses have been integrated into the economy by digital tools supported by government regulations, thereby becoming enablers of local development (Summers et al, 2019). The present case study's analyses confirmed favorable growth tendencies over the last ten years in administrative, support, health, sports, and entertainment services, which has reversed low density areas' tendency toward underdevelopment.…”

“…Thus, the current analyses' results contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the impact of local accommodation offers on local development. This topic has been an underresearched theme, particularly with reference to remote and low density territories (Summers et al, 2019).…”

“…Despite being a famous tourist destination and winner of various prizes (e.g., Europe's Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards), this region's more remote and low density areas are struggling for survival due to their social and economic decline in recent decades. Local tourism can be a way to foster socioeconomic development, helping residents to diversify and revitalize their economy (Summers et al, 2019).…”

Regional Economic Development in Australia: Introduction to the Special Issue

“…The first paper by Summers, Cavaye and Woolcock () studies the enablers and barriers to tourism as a driver of economic development in regional Queensland. The purpose of the research was to explore ways regional communities in South Western Queensland could expand tourism and drive economic and social gains.…”

“…The direction of causality of tourism driving progress just described is controversial – some hold that well‐designed economic, governance and investment policies creates a positive environment that encourages tourism to flourish. Summers et al () find that “Enablers to tourism led growth included: local government support for tourism development; a sound understanding of the mechanics and structure of the tourism industry; and the capacity to engage in marketing that captured and narrated the visitor experience in digital channels.”…”