With the use of the relevant responsible tourism criteria, certain recommendations can be made for future economic, environmental and socio-cultural improvements. These recommendations were created by the process of:
1) examining the negative impacts,
2) generating relevant solutions,
3) reflecting upon the effects and
4) deciding whether the solutions would be appropriate
Economic Recommendations:
• Overall the major economic flaw identified was the leakage effect caused by The Big Wheel. The South Bank Corporation is responsible for introducing this economic leakage and would have known about this fact before going in to it. We can only wait until they realise it isn’t financially sustainable and discontinue the partnership with World Tourist Attractions. In the future however it would be more responsible for South Bank to utilise Australian based companies to operate and manage other tourism and leisure related resources.
• A general recommendation would be to optimise the economic benefits of tourism while minimising economic costs.
Environmental Recommendations:
• Partnerships and Collaboration in Tourism
Responsible tourism is an issue that cannot be resolved all at once because there are a diverse range of issues that needs to be addressed. To effectively achieve this issue it would require the productive and efficient use of time to tackle this problem.
It is apparent that initiatives have already been taken in previous years by the South Bank Corporation and as a result it has been successful. However, in order to achieve further responsible tourism there is a need to continue to address tourism planning within South Bank Parklands. The South Bank Corporation should co-operate with other stakeholders such as the local community and environmental groups to produce a better result of sustainability and responsible travel. Moreover, all stakeholders need to be consulted in tourism decision-making and be constantly informed about sustainable development issues.
• A Sustainable & Responsible Relationship between Tourism and the Environment
Stakeholders may consider encouraging good practice as a proactive approach. This could mean ensuring that all new development in the future is constructed of recycled and locally sourced materials, wherever possible and designed to be energy efficient. Also, it is developed in a way that minimises the use of resources such as water and the disruption of the wildlife habitats.
Another proactive measure would be raising awareness and promoting education amongst tourists and the industry is essential as they play a significant part on the impacts of tourism. Better knowledge on the part of both parties would help reduce some of the detrimental environmental aspects of tourism. This can be done by promoting responsible travel through marketing campaigns which may capture the attention of tourists and realise the importance of the issues of minimising environmental impacts in the host community. They may learn a few things and return to their home with an increased knowledge but also a far greater awareness of the need to conserve the environment.
Socio-cultural Recommendations:
The major negative impact of tourism within Southbank is locals sense of displacement and a loss of community spirit. Inclusion of locals in the planning and decision making processes is imperative, without their participation tourism ventures cannot hope to succeed (Garrod 2003). Inclusion will also reinforce that the area is for locals enjoyment as well as tourists. Furthermore, this will in turn foster a sense of community spirit and aid in creating authentic interaction between visitors and host communities.
Overcrowding is also a significant issue requiring attention. In order to minimise congestion steps should be taken to alter the demand through promoting visitors to the area mid-week when it is a lot quieter thus taking the impact off the area on weekends and providing a more pleasant environment for visitors.
