Tourism is one of Australia's growth industries. How can you care for our future as a hospitality manager?

Long-term employment prospects in this sector are excellent, especially for qualified Le Cordon Bleu graduates. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission intends to:

• encourage high-quality tourism experiences, including Indigenous tourism
• limit the tax, red tape and other regulatory burden industry faces
• undertake coordinated and effective marketing campaigns to drive demand
• work with industry to support the development of tourism infrastructure that can drive demand.

While these initiatives expand the sector and benefit the Australian economy, how can we soften the impact of such growth?

Environmental impact

Tourism in Australia has already affected the natural environment. The impact on the Great Barrier Reef is well documented, with damage to fragile coral as a result of reef walking, dropped anchors, and chemical pollution from boat fuel and even run-off from suntan lotion.

Often the arrival of tourists in areas lacking infrastructure introduces a significant amount of waste, while native plants and wildlife are removed to install walking trails.

However, the industry's impact on the environment is not entirely negative. With great traffic comes great visibility. Tourism provides a platform to educate visitors about conservation and raise awareness of environmental issues.

Socio-cultural impact

The industry can also affect members of local communities. As more people come through inhabited areas, the chances of social conflict increase. In order for tourism to be sustainable, the industry must achieve a symbiotic relationship with host communities.

The preservation of traditions and respect to indigenous cultures is paramount, particularly in Australia where historical damages to Aboriginal peoples are a sensitive issue.

How management makes a difference