Tasmania Tourism

Centurion Tree

Overview

A recent plan of tourism promotion in Tasmania has struck up arguments between conservationists and tourism operators

Background

The plan surfaced, because many tourism operators argue that there are many amazing things to see in Tasmania, including the Centurion Tree which is the tallest flowering tree in existence, but few of them are easily accessible to tourists or even promoted. This is sacrificing a lot of money for tourism operators which could also be crucial in promoting Tasmania's economy.

This new plan aims to put the Tasmania World Heritage-Listed Wilderness Area on the map for all on the world to see and take advantage of.

Environmentalist Thoughts

Many environmentalists state that with this plan, Tasmania's wilderness area will cease to be that. It will become a place of recreation and will not longer be able to maintain its pristine condition.

Government & Tourism Operator Thoughts

The current unemployment rate in Tasmania is only growing, and many government officials want to find a way to slow it down and pump money back into the economy, and opening up the wilderness seems to be a perfect way to go about doing that.

Many tourism operators believe that it is a good idea to allow for development into the wilderness to allow tourists the opportunity to explore the wilderness areas without having to stay in a tent. Many even make the point to say that it is not that much more disruptive to build a small eco-friendly den that will manage waste and resources in a way that is not disruptive. This way, Tasmania can appear as a place where you are able to vacation in comfort. 

Author

Emily Xie

Sources

• http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jan/22/-sp-plan-to-put-tasmanias-south-west-on-tourist-map-fires-up-debate