Woolmers Estate and Brickendon willl host a Built Heritage tourism forum, starting on August 25, as a response to the 2015 parliamentary inquiry into built heritage tourism in Tasmania.
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The Longford UNESCO World Heritage sites are hosting the forum in order to find ways to improve operations of the former convict sites, and to provide more unity between the attractions.
Event organiser Sue-Ellen Groer said that some sites were falling behind others in terms of popularity and revenue.
“Some sites are struggling, and visitor numbers are down for a lot of sites,” she said.
“The event is to look into pooling resources together if possible.
“Hopefully it will be a great benefit for sites who don’t get government funding.”
The 2016 report of the inquiry found that more state and local government attention was required for the seven World Heritage Listed sites in Tasmania, as well as a more collaborative partnership between the sites.
“The inquiry found built heritage tourism is increasingly making a significant contribution to the Tasmanian economy but it needs greater recognition in government policies and strategic planning,” the document read.
“Lack of funds is one of the most significant barriers to the preservation, maintenance and restoration of heritage buildings.”
Brickendon owner Richard Archer said that visitor numbers had remained static over the past five years, while costs continue to rise.
“We’re aware that the market is changing from people just wanting a heritage experience to people wanting something else,” he said.
“A lot of the Asian people like to come and see a lot of Tasmanian attractions, but heritage to them is not necessarily that important.”
He also said more government funding is desired, but not expected.
“We wish we could have some more funding, but recurrent funding into the tourism business isn’t what they do. We’re not expecting them to come and support our bottom line.”
Tasmania is home to seven World Heritage Sites, including Port Arthur and Longford’s Brickendon and Woolmers Estate.
Stefan Boscia
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
