Eco-tourism in Australia

Tourism is one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries; it can contribute to ..... economic development and substantial employment generation in Australia in the coming years.

Tourism has many links with other industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing and telecommunications, and can provide a powerful ..... to economic growth, particularly in regional areas.

A strong and viable tourism industry will remain an important contributor to continued employment growth, and tourism's contribution to foreign exchange earnings will continue to be a significant item in Australia's ..... of payments.

Ecologically sustainable development has as its basic aim to meet the needs of the present without ..... the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

A recent report by the Industry Commission found that the Australian environment is a major tourist attraction and the provision of accommodation in appropriate locations is important for ensuring access to ..... sites.

It also suggests that accommodation provision should have regard to ..... on the environment in which it is situated and that this applies to both the original siting decision and continuing operations.

The construction of accommodation and service ..... and associated transport and service links can cause changes in vegetation, soil compaction and erosion, siltation of rivers and estuaries, and generation of waste.

These changes can affect the balances and relationships in ecosystems and may contribute to the modification of habitats, a change in the competitive advantage of species, and in some cases loss of representative habitats and species or a reduction in genetic ......

The report also says that tourism development should recognise and support the identity, culture and interests of ..... people.

As the market for environmentally ..... tourism facilities continues to expand, it is vital that local businesses have the information necessary to meet global expectations and standards.