Na nastojanja pojedinačnih turističkih operatera da se prilagode klimatskim promjenama negativno utječe nedostatak aktivnosti i pokretanja šire turističke industrije, kao i nedostatak konkretne državne podrške tim operaterima koji provode ekološke inicijative, prema svjetski poznatom Ecotourism Australia.
“At a time when travelers need compelling reasons to visit and to travel within Australia, there is not one project within a government tourism department in Australia to support and build the profile of the environmentally sustainable tourism operators who are world leaders in this regard,” said Ecotourism Australia CEO, Ms. Kym Cheatham in the lead up to its Asia Pacific conference, Global Eco in Sydney next week (November 7 – 10)
“Our environmental certification was a world first, and has been recognized and awarded internationally, yet the tourism operators who participate in this program are still considered as special interest or a niche product in Australia.
“Environment ministers can see the connection with ecotourism, but the idea of mainstream tourism embracing sustainable standards is not on the agenda.”
Ms. Cheatham refers to the recent Global Green Economy Index, which surveys 27 countries making up 90 per cent of the international green economy. The index ranks Australia third in perception of green tourism, but only tenth in performance.
“Ljudi vjeruju da radimo pravu stvar; trenutno imamo dobar međunarodni imidž, ali postoji znak pitanja da li isporučujemo ili ne.
“Umor od klimatskih promjena se pojavio u cijeloj zajednici. Bili smo ometeni burnim političkim programom i nizom događaja koji su zauzeli naslovnice širom svijeta, ali ne smijemo dozvoliti da ovo skrene s koloseka značajnu transformaciju industrije.
“The science hasn’t gone away, and it is really up to governments to keep the industry focused on adapting and remodeling, if we are to keep our reputation in tact,” said Ms Cheatham.
Seizing the potential of ecotourism is the key theme at the conference being staged in Sydney 7 – 10 November, by convenor Mr. Tony Charters, a pioneer of the ecotourism industry.
“Credibility is a vital aspect for the Australian tourism industry,” said Mr. Charters.
“Nikada nećemo nadmašiti naše konkurente po cijeni, posebno u azijsko-pacifičkoj regiji.
„Imamo zadivljujuće pejzaže i prirodna dobra – čak i u neposrednoj blizini gradova poput Sidneja. Nakon što smo bili pioniri koncepta ekoturizma, sada moramo slijediti vodstvo Novog Zelanda isporukom proizvoda po najvišim standardima.
Novi Zeland je bio na vrhu i indeksa percepcije i učinka za turizam u Globalnom indeksu zelene ekonomije.
Četvorodnevna konferencija Global Eco Asia Pacific dio je proslave 20. rođendana Ecotourism Australia, koja uključuje forum o autohtonom turizmu.
A full conference program is available at www.globaleco.com.au
