Andrew Barr and Federale Tourism Minister Nick Sherry have announced the release of earthshattering research showing tourism to Canberra isn’t all about the clever marketing bods and the hotel industry (only 70% about those things):
Nearly one third of all visitors to the ACT are friends or relatives of those living here, according to Tourism Research Australia’s Perceptions of Tourism in the ACT, released today by the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, and ACT Deputy Chief Minister, Andrew Barr MLA.
Almost three quarters of ACT residents recommended things to do for their visiting friends and relatives – with museums, memorials, art-based attractions, nature parks and gardens top-of-mind.
By contrast, recommendations to see craft or food markets, dining precincts, cafes within national attractions, wineries, cellar doors and breweries were fewer.
The report recommends targeted campaigns to educate and encourage ACT residents to promote activities that most interest their visitors.
“Friends and relatives visiting from interstate form a lucrative sector of the tourism market, especially in Canberra,” Senator Sherry said.
“What Canberrans view as their city’s best attractions has a big influence on what places their guests visit. A greater appreciation by residents of Canberra’s wider activities will bring benefits to the capital’s local businesses,” Senator Sherry said.
There’s a fascinating implication there that ignorance of other tourism opportunities by you the resident is holding businesses back.
Could the recommendations as made be based on, oh I don’t know, actually having some kind of clue?