The value of attractive landscapes to tourism

The following is an extract from: Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council 2002, Sustaining Our Natural System and Biodiversity, 31 May 2001

The value of attractive landscapes to tourism
Australian landscapes, with their open spaces, distinctive landforms and unique biodiversity attract many domestic and international tourists. International tourism is a growth industry in Australia, forecasted by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources(DITR) to grow from 4.8 million to 10.4 million visitors in the next 10 years. In 2000-01 this industry was worth $16 billion to Australia, and DITR predicts growth to $30 billion by 2020.

The Great Ocean Road attracts over six million people (tourists) a year and is worth a billion dollars per annum to the State economy. See statistics on Great Ocean Road tourism.

The State Government and regional tourism bodies have identifies the hinterland of the Otways as obvious growth areas for forest based tourism to complement coastal attractions. See Government support for forest based tourism.

The Otways has never had a detailed assessment to identify and protect importance aesthetic landscapes values.

The Otway Forest Management Plan and West RFA both provide a superficial assessment of scenic and aesthetic values in the Otways.

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