A recent survey of Glenorchy residents has shown the municipality sees the benefits of tourism to the local economy, but recognises significant local development is needed.
Glenorchy is located in Tasmania’s south and has a population of approximately 44,600 people.
An initiative of Tourism Tasmania and Tourism Research Australia, the survey aimed to understand what residents thought about tourism in Glenorchy.
Residents were asked about their perceptions of tourism within the community, the value of tourism to their local economy, and what they considered to be the impacts of tourism on infrastructure and community activities.
The survey revealed Glenorchy residents see real value in growing the tourism offerings in the municipality, with the majority of respondents (59 per cent) happy to see continued tourism growth in their municipality, and fewer than two per cent expressing a desire for less tourism.
Supported by Glenorchy City Council, the survey was distributed to a random sample of 2,000 residents.
Glenorchy Mayor Adriana Taylor said the majority of residents responded that they “really liked tourists”, however, just six per cent responded that they had met and talked with tourists around town.
“This valuable research and the recommendations of Glenorchy residents will assist us in the planning of future tourism related developments and activities,” Mayor Taylor said.
“The survey also shows that the development of local facilities and a local focus for the tourism industry are priorities for our community.”
The survey was conducted in late 2009 on behalf of Tourism Tasmania and Tourism Research Australia by the Centre for Tourism and Services Research at Victoria University.
A summary report on the Glenorchy tourism survey results can be found on the Tourism Research Australia Website, visit www.ret.gov.au/tourism
