How Australia's Ecotourism Industry Is Affected By Bush-fires

Ecotourism in Australia

Blimey, Australia, the land down under is on fire- literally! But what was Australia like before the 2019 bush-fires? According to the DMO, Tourism Australia (n.d.), the nation went from a $74 million industry to $39 billion in 50 years. This is due to the natural wonders that permeate the nation such as The Great Barrier Reef, rain forests, and the outback; these are all filled with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Additionally, since 1991 a non-profit entity known as Ecotourism Australia attempts to certify businesses in Australia who use sustainable practices that do not leave or minimize their carbon footprints. But what is ecotourism, what does it entail? Ecotourism, is a niche type of travel which UNESCO (n.d.) describes as a“...less intrusive, more ecology-friendly way to experience the world's unique natural and cultural treasures.” This type of exploration involves preserving as much of the natural environment as possible giving revenues back to the local communities, and ensuring that the most oppressed populations are represented & are positively benefited. However, with the interference of climate change, a lot of harm has been done on this important industry for Australia.

SOURCE: Ecotourism Australia

What Are The Bush-Fires?

According to Forbes, approximately 17 people, and half a billion-wildlife have been killed by bush-fires since October 2019, and Australia’s federal environment reported that nearly 30% of koalas in the southeastern state have become victim (Lea, 2020). The bush-fires have left devastating effects on the global environment, causing mankind to have to work even harder at tackling the issues of climate change. According to Forbes, the bush-fires are extremely dangerous due to heavy winds and dry temperatures (Lea, 2020). Therefore, firefighters are struggling to control the bush-fires because the weather does not support them. The lack of governmental interference, and the neglect of highlighting the importance of protecting flora and fauna have afforded the fires the opportunity to not only damage the ecosystem, but also the tourism industry. 

SOURCE: Dominic O’Brien/ Gretty Images

Negative Impacts of the Bush-fires on the Industry

Wildfires in any part of the world will have a negative impact on the tourism sector for the simple fact that tourists will fear entering the country for their own safety: from air quality to physical endangerment. As a result, the economy of the country will suffer to a degree as money is not being made in what was once a profitable industry. In the case of Australia, tourism represented 3% of the country's yearly economic output and 1 in 13 jobs depends on the tourism/hospitality sector (Deutsche, 2020). It is apparent that tourism has played a key role in the success of the Australian economy, and whether its economic input or decreasing unemployment numbers, tourism is beneficial to the government. The biggest issue with the bush-fires is the destruction of one of Australia's largest attractions, THE BUSH! The bush, often referred to as the “outback” is catered towards nature enthusiasts who enjoy rock cliffs, exploring National Parks, and remoteness. Unfortunately, for the 1,000,000 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians that live there, if the fire kills the bush, Australia could lose millions of international visitors and with loss of visitors comes a loss of money. 

SOURCE: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

The Silver Lining

Although the bush-fires have led to detrimental consequences on flora and fauna of which embodied the ecotourism industry of Australia, all hope is not lost. According to Forbes, approximately 1.2 million people donated to a Facebook campaign garnering ~$45 million for the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades which became the platform’s biggest fundraiser of all time (Wang, 2020). Additionally, many celebrities have publicized various sites to donate to and have even contributed a portion of their earnings to the cause. Some examples include Selena Gomez, Leonardo DiCaprio, Pink and Jeff Bezos. 

SOURCE: https://twitter.com/delicaterare/status/1213510360700985348?s=20

Koalas and kangaroos which have been an iconic symbol to Australia and their tourism industry, have also been seeing an outpouring of support from people all around the world. From financial aid being raised on platforms such as GoFundMe to donations being made to the World Wildlife Fund, or even adoptions for these animals in wildlife centers, it is clear that the world has come together to support what was once a thriving
ecotourist destination in hopes to rebuild and rehabilitate the various ecosystems. 

SOURCE: Jill Gralow / REUTERS

The Australian government has finally begun to show support to its community by addressing economic concerns through the development of a recovery campaign which will initially be funded with approximately $52 million USD. This project will be divided into two parts: $14 million will go into domestic tourism marketing and $17 million invested into the international market in order to support the idea that the country is intact, safe and still “open for business” (Hamdi, 2020). The country hopes that the campaign will help to recover from the economic loss in tourism from the bush fires. 

Overall, the tourism industry plays a large role in the recovery process of Australia. Tourism officials of Australia are trying to reassure travelers and possible visitors that it is important that visitation to the country remains stable. Support through tourism allows for the country to invest profits into repair and recovery, thus protecting wildlife, their habitats, local communities and ecotourism destinations of the region.

Questions
1. Are there other countries that have faced a similar situation that impacted their tourism economy? If so: can you name which country and what occurred?
2. Do you think this will have a long term effect on their tourism industry?
3. What do you believe should be done so this tragedy will not repeat?
4. Do you think the government is taking the right action to combat the negative impact on the tourism industry? And why?
5. In your opinion, does tourism cause more harm than good on the environment?

References

Zarroli, Jim. (2015). “Australia's Massive Fires Threaten To Slow Decades-Long Economic Boom.”NPR. Retrieved from: www.npr.org/2020/01/12/795235653/australias-massive-fires-threaten-to-slow-decades-long-economic-boom.

Lane, Lea. (2020). “Australia's Deadly, Devastating Wildfires: Affecting Tourism, Short And Long-Term.” Forbes. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lealane/2020/01/02/australias-deadly-devastating-wildfires-affecting-tourism-short-and-long-term/#194e846128bf

Deutsche, Welle. “Australia Fights Fire Devastation with Multimillion Tourism Industry Boost.” (2020). DW. Retrieved from:

https://www.dw.com/en/australia-fights-fire-devastation-with-multimillion-tourism-industry-boost/a-52057457 

Our History - Corporate - Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.tourism.australia.com/en/about/our-organisation/our-history-50-years.html

World Heritage and Ecotourism: A Banner Year. (2012). Unesco. Retrieved from: https://whc.unesco.org/archive/websites/venice2002/archives/edito/oct/edito_oct.htm

Hamdi, Raini. (2020). “Australia Pours $52 Million Into Tackling Tourism's ‘Biggest Challenge in Living Memory’.” Skift. Retrieved from: https://skift.com/2020/01/20/australia-pours-52-million-into-tackling-tourisms-biggest-challenge-in-living-memory/

Wang, Tracy. (2020). “Billionaires Are Opening Up Their Wallets For Australian Fires.” Forbes. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracywang/2020/01/09/billionaires-are-opening-up-their-wallets-for-the-australian-fires-after-getting-flak-for-not-donating-enough/#6d2f814e55af