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Community involvement in tourism infrastructure - the case of the Strahan Visitor Centre, Tasmania
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 14:34 authored by Fallon, LD, Kriwoken, LKThis paper presents a case study of the Strahan Visitor Centre, Tasmania, Australia. We surveyed 252 on-site visitors using a structured questionnaire to determine who used the Centre and their assessment of the facility. Eight key informants with direct experience in Tasmania's tourism industry, or the design, management and operation of visitor centres, were interviewed to elicit their opinions on the Centre and the associated interpretation. The case study results, together with the qualitative, semi-structured key informant interviews, are used to discuss the main elements supporting sustainable visitor centres. This research identifies that it is not enough to only assess a visitor centre's sustainability by its popularity with visitors. It is also important to consider the needs of managers, operators, and local and cultural communities. Recommendations include adopting a consultative approach and involving stakeholders when planning, designing and operating visitor centres and valuing community, cultural and social capital when constructing new facilities.
History
Publication title
Tourism ManagementVolume
24Pagination
289-308ISSN
0261-5177Department/School
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
PergamonPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
The definitive version is available at http://www.sciencedirect.comRepository Status
- Restricted