DESTINATIONS in Asia-Pacific must get investment principles correct from the start – or end up with white elephants or non-sustainable developments.
Richard Helfer, opening the two-day Asia Pacific Tourism Destination Investment (APTDI) Conference yesterday, warned against such pitfalls as creating copy-cat tourism attractions or using cultural/historic sites, natural habitats as “low-hanging fruit” waiting to be exploited.
“We…have often seen what the lack of master planning for tourism destinations, inconsistent policy frameworks and non-time sensitive approval processes have done to discourage innovative and visionary development concepts,” said Helfer, chairman, RCH International, who has overseen many tourism investments. “Without such solid and consistent foundations, it becomes nearly impossible to attract and sustain over the longer-term the necessary investment capital, in particular the desirable combination of destination-based and regional/international stakeholder financial support. As we have all seen, if the first tranche of investment does not reach its promised volumes and ROI, there is lessened support for the vision going forward, as well as limited or no fresh funding for the later phases.
“We further see the lack of end-user support as to word-of-mouth and/or return visits when the tourism destinations are not properly planned or maintained.”
Greater Asia and Oceania have a most varied collection of both rural and urban natural destinations offering investment opportunities in infrastructure and individual venues, he pointed out.
“Of the world’s total population of seven billion people, about 60 per cent live in Greater Asia & Oceania. Over the past decade, close to 60 per cent of the entire world’s population increase has also come from this region. Greater Asia/Oceania accounts for 21 per cent of global spending and, whereas in 2011, 23 per cent of the world’s arrivals were in Greater Asia and Oceania; by 2030 this number will increase to 30 per cent.
“Making the case for tourism infrastructure investment in our region, whether by country or individual destination, therefore, is a most positive proposition.”
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