Responsible tourism must incorporate a holistic approach through developing socio-cultural sustainability as well as balancing the economic and environmental impacts.Socio-cultural impacts resulting from tourism may include changes in traditional lifestyles, value systems, behaviours, quality of life and the social structure of the host community (Sebastian & Rajagopalan 2009; Ratz, Richards & Hall 2000).
Like the economic and environmental issues, an analysis of both positive and negative socio-cultural impacts has been formulated so as to identify the extent to which Southbank meets the responsible tourism criteria.
POSITIVES
• Providing opportunities for socialisation and enjoyment
Southbank provides opportunities for socialisation through its restaurants, picnic facilities and barbeques being accessible to the general public. Furthermore, hosting of events such as the Riverfire, Golden Casket Christmas Celebrations and the Australia Day Celebrations bring the community together in celebration.
• Instilling local pride and a sense of community
Many of the events which Southbank hosts focus on showcasing the Brisbane region, in particular its local emerging artists, products and businesses so as to enhance the sense of community, local pride and provide greater opportunities for locals. Such events include the ‘Southbank Regional Flavours’ event which displays the best produce and wine from the region and the ‘Southbank Young Designers Market’ showcasing local emerging designers (Southbank Corporation 2009).
South Bank Markets
(Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland)
• Creating a greater international and cultural understanding
As a tourist destination Southbank attracts visitors from around the world whom during their stay will make contact with service providers and the community. This contact can provide a greater understanding and acceptance of different cultures. In addition, cultural events such as the upcoming Buddha Birth Day Festival bring people from a diverse range of backgrounds together to celebrate their unique culture and ways of life. These events allow for greater learning of one another’s culture and also promote inclusion of all groups in the community.
• Urban Regeneration
Through tourism the Southbank precinct has been regenerated from being a near derelict area to now hosting some of the cities best parklands, facilities and infrastructure for tourists and locals alike.
• Preservation of heritage buildings and cultural values
Tourism acknowledges and encourages the preservation of historic buildings, such as the Nepal Peace Pagoda, a legacy from World Expo 88, and also the Queensland Museum and Art Gallery. Through tourism, funding is given to these buildings for their preservation thus allowing both current and future generations to visit these sites and retain a sense of continuity with the past (Gjerald, 2005).
• Contributing to improvements in education
Southbank’s Queensland Art Gallery, Museum, Performing Arts Centre, State Library and Sciencentre all contribute to the education of locals and tourists of all ages.
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
(Image courtesy of Southbank Corporation)
• Diversity in the workplace
Southbank promotes inclusion and diversity of the workplace through two of its programs. Firstly, the Southbank Precinct Indigenous Employment program provides employment and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander thus minimising poverty within these groups. Secondly, the Migrant Work Experience Program, a joint initiative of TAFE and Queensland Government, promotes equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.
In addition, casual work within the tourism sector provides employment for students, as well as women who comprise of 53% of the workforce in Southbank (Southbank Corporation 2009).
• Providing socio-economic benefits
Employment and revenue generated through Southbank’s tourism provides greater benefits for the livelihood of locals, financially and also through fostering community stability. Employment within the precinct can also assist in maintaining a sense of community spirit and ensuring locals do not feel displaced in a primarily tourist based destination.
• Inclusion of all members of the community
Southbank is accessible for all members of the community including those with any disabilities or impairments, whether they are physical, intellectual or psychological. The precinct has wheelchair ramps and bathrooms, 8 disabled parking bays, regular and pool wheelchair hire and a new Boat Pool with a specially designed ramp to provide safer access for visitors in wheelchairs (Southbank Corporation 2010).
NEGATIVES
• Displacement and loss of community spirit
In preparation for Expo 88 Southbank cleared its low cost housing causing these residents to leave the area and feel displaced. High rise, high priced housing has since been developed and led to a perception among locals that the area favours tourists and commercial activities for those who can afford it, thus excluding diversity.
The regeneration of Southbank has led many locals to feel a loss of a sense of place as their local area aims to accommodate the needs of tourism. As a result, local residents may feel they have to compete for usage of attractions and facilities thus creating negative attitudes and resentment towards tourists. Furthermore the level of authentic interaction between locals and tourists is low due to people constantly coming and going. This has a detrimental affect on the community spirit with many locals disassociating with the area.
• Overcrowding
The issue of overcrowding has been a common complaint especially on the weekends in areas such as Streets Beach. There are not enough picnic tables and barbeques for the number of people using the parklands and restaurants are often at capacity therefore forcing people to leave Southbank. The area experiences increased levels of congestion when major events are scheduled. This often leads to overcrowding on public transport and surrounding areas, therefore impacting on locals who are not necessarily visiting Southbank.
• Employment
A majority of tourism jobs in Southbank are low-skilled, low paid, shift work which lacks career structure.
Crowds at Tropfest
(Image courtesy of fridaynight.com.au)
Southbank represents responsible tourism through enhancing the well-being of local communities, contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and providing enjoyable experiences for tourists (responsible travel handbook 2006). However, for a destination to be considered responsible it must involve and engage local people and foster a sense of community spirit (Lorimer 2006). Many Brisbane locals feel displaced from the precinct due to the destination having a strong tourism focus and often being overcrowded. It is imperative to take steps to minimise such negative impacts and continue to work towards a destination which is socially responsible through meeting its resident’s needs.
