Media Release: National Landscapes Program gets a boost
7 November 2014
Ecotourism Australia will now have some capacity to support the ‘National Landscapes’ program with Minister Hunt announcing $25,000 funding p/year for the next two years through Parks Australia.
In August, Parks Australia and Tourism Australia announced the hugely successful ‘National Landscapes’ tourism development and marketing program was entering the ‘Seeing the Results’ phase and they were no longer providing an administration function. The sixteen ‘Landscapes’ expressed grave concern over this immediate cut of support and sought a transition phase to move to a sustainable funding model.
Ecotourism Australia, as a Not for Profit membership based organization with the vast majority of its members placed within the ‘Landscapes’, was seen as the logical choice to provide the administration of the program and work with the ‘Landscapes’ to develop a sustainable funding model to ensure the program can continue to deliver the benefits.
“It’s an excellent example of ‘Industry working with Industry’ to achieve great outcomes. It’s gratifying to see that Minister Hunt and Parks Australia sees the value in this long standing program that has created many partnerships, jobs, investment and allowed regions to build their own sense of identity that means visitors and tourists have real choice” said Rod Hillman – Chief Executive Ecotourism Australia.
Ecotourism Australia and the ‘Landscapes’ thank Minister Hunt and Parks Australia for their support and now look forward to Minister Robb and Tourism Australia, as equal partners, to match Minister Hunt’s show of support and commitment.
The ‘National Landscapes’ program’s focus is on developing high quality ecotourism products that are ‘export ready’ promoting Australia’s ‘Natural Advantage’ of unspoilt nature, unique animals and accessible indigenous culture. This advantage has been identified as the country’s true marketing edge and will be a major contributor to Australia achieving its ‘Tourism 2020’ goals of doubling tourism spend.
This funding will go part way to relieving the administrative burden on the volunteer ‘Landscapes’ coordinating teams and allow them to get on with the task of the ‘Landscapes’ in delivering the benefits to their regions, to the tourism industry and to the country as a premier ecotourism destination.
The National Landscapes program provides jobs, drives investment and provides a pathway for emerging and existing tourism businesses to deliver quality products in an ever increasingly competitive market.
ENDS
For more information on National Landscape’s, click here.
Rod Hillman 0427 279 414
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