Analysis of national, state, regional and local tourism strategies and plans: identification of strategic issues

Abstract

This scoping study provides an overview of a detailed analysis undertaken on 76 Australian national, state/territory, regional and local tourism strategies and plans. It was undertaken at the request of the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC). This study aimed to compile an extensive desk top audit and review in order to create a document database and to identify current issues concerning the Australian tourism industry. Many of the strategies that emerged were sourced from local or state/territory government bodies, a result of strong government involvement in the tourism industry at the regional and local level. Often these strategies were developed based on an industry consultation process and represent the viewpoint of a number of stakeholders. The methodology applied was secondary content analysis, which is a recognised qualitative technique often applied in tourism planning (Janesick, 2000; Dey, 1993; Glesne, 1999). The primary outcome of the study was to assist STCRC in its planning for future research and to secondarily inform the national Tourism Alliance’s Australian Tourism Industry Strategy.