In October 2016, ART commissioned DBM Consultants to undertake research into the ‘Local Government Spend on Tourism’. More than 250 of the 561 councils who were invited to take part (or 46% of councils in regional Australia) contributed to the research which was published in early 2017. 

The research found that in 2015/16: 

• Local Government in Australia spent an estimated $373M on the operation of visitor information centres, events, festivals, promotion, marketing and development of tourism 

• Two thirds ($250M) of Local Government spending on Tourism was undertaken by Councils located in regional and remote areas 

• 35 cents of every dollar spent went on operating visitor information centre
  

• Eight in 10 Councils directly employ staff that have a Tourism role. This equated to estimated total of 1,672 full-time equivalent
  

• Employment costs for individuals employed by Councils in Tourism roles was estimated at $179M, equating to 48% of Local Government spending on the operation of visitor information centres, promotion, marketing and development of tourism 

• Nine in 10 Councils agreed that Tourism offers future economic development opportunities for their local area 

The research quantifies the important role local government plays in supporting Australia’s tourism industry through events and services such as visitor information centres, festivals, promotion, marketing and tourism development. Local Government themselves realise the important role they play, as indicated in the research with 9 in 10 agreeing tourism offered future economic development opportunities. 

Project Phase One | Local Government Research 

In October 2016, Australian Regional Tourism commissioned DBM Consultants to undertake research into the ‘Local Government Spend on Tourism’. More than 250 of the 561 councils who were invited to take part (or 46% of councils in regional Australia) contributed to the research which was published in early 2017. 

The highlights of the research indicate nationally, that the annual investment on tourism initiatives and programs from Local Government is over $373 million with $250 million being invested by the regional and remote Local Governments. 

The research quantifies the important role local government plays in supporting Australia’s tourism industry through events and services such as visitor information centres, festivals, promotion, marketing and tourism development. Local Government themselves realise the important role they play, as indicated in the research with 9 in 10 agreeing tourism offered future economic development opportunities. 

Click here to download a copy of the Local Government Spend on Tourism study 

Project Phase Two | Visitor Economy Thinking for Local Government 

ART recognises the important role Local Government plays in regional tourism and is committed to supporting councils so they grow and develop their local visitor economy. 

Regional councils across Australia are taking a closer look at how the tourism dollar can benefit their region. Within local government there is a broad range of knowledge and experience in growing sustainable visitor economies and a wide variance in investment. As major asset owners, service providers and decision makers, councils sit at the heart of the visitor experience. 

ART is committed to helping our regions become adept at the application of Visitor Economy Thinking. This will enable our regions to take advantage of a sector that they can truly shape and develop to meet the needs of their communities, in their way and on their terms. 

To assist with ART has released a new toolkit which seeks to encourage discussion and collaboration as well as provide councils with a clear and simple way to ensure they can reap the benefits of a sustainable visitor economy. 

Click here to download a copy of the ‘Visitor Economy Thinking for Local Government’ toolkit 

Best practice Destination Management 

Best practice Destination Management is a holistic process that ensures tourism adds value to the economy, social fabric and ecology of our communities. Tourism can be an economic driver, generating jobs and contributing vibrant lifestyle benefits to our communities. But equally tourism needs to be managed to ensure that it leaves a positive legacy for current and future generations. Importantly the tourism sector needs to ensure that it is considered in the broader context of regional development and that it is recognised for its overall contribution and economic value to the region. 

When it comes to Destination Management, Australian Regional Tourism offers its members the following resources: 

The Guide to Best Practice Destination Management – a practical guide for those working at the coal face of tourism destination management. This is under review and will be available soon.