The influence of the Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) on a worldwide scale has been highlighted with the publication of a World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report in Madrid last night.
The Global Report on Public-Private Partnerships: Tourism Development outlines why partnerships are integral to most tourism activities and the industry’s future development.
GIFT researchers are directly involved in six of 17 case studies presented in the report to demonstrate the different types of Public-Private Partnerships to have fostered tourism development through innovation.
Their economic and social impact in places like Botswana, Japan, Pacific Islands, Macedonia, Myanmar, China, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Ghana and the Asia-Pacific region are detailed.
Among the issues examined by researchers from GIFT are management of protected areas (Philippines), conservation of threatened species (India), how cruise ship tourism can build capacity (Vanuatu), better preparing hotels for natural disaster (Bali), integrating scientific research into tourism to the benefit of local livelihoods (Brazil) and the development of innovative tourism products for Asian visitors (Gold Coast).
“The content of this report emphasises GIFT’s reach and connectedness in this truly global sphere,” Professor Susanne Becken(left), Director of the Griffith Institute for Tourism, said.
“Partnerships are integral to most tourism activities and its future development, and while often including universities, they also connect industry and government.”
GIFT researcher, Professor Noel Scott, joined the Australian ambassador to Spain, Virginia Greville, for the report’s overnight release in Madrid.
He highlighted the crucial role of governments and how this involvement in private-public partnerships underpins tourism development.
“Governments have control over public lands like beaches, mountains, national parks and lakes, and they have responsibility for economic development, planning, border security and environmental protection,” Professor Scott said.
“Tourism builds on partnerships and collaboration at many levels. Collaborations do not just happen and the role of an entrepreneurial convenor is important in bringing participants together.
“An effective convenor not only initiates the link but also develops the trust and relationships that support good governance.”
Professor Scott (left) worked with GIFT colleagues, Professor Susanne Becken, and Dr Fernanda de Vasconcellos Pegas, on the report which makes innovative concepts at tourist destinations one of its central planks.