Community involvement in tourism infrastructure—the case of the Strahan Visitor Centre, Tasmania

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the Strahan Visitor Centre, Tasmania, Australia. We surveyed 252 on-site visitors using a structured questionnaire to determine who used the Centre and their assessment of the facility. Eight key informants with direct experience in Tasmania’s tourism industry, or the design, management and operation of visitor centres, were interviewed to elicit their opinions on the Centre and the associated interpretation. The case study results, together with the qualitative, semi-structured key informant interviews, are used to discuss the main elements supporting sustainable visitor centres. This research identifies that it is not enough to only assess a visitor centre’s sustainability by its popularity with visitors. It is also important to consider the needs of managers, operators, and local and cultural communities. Recommendations include adopting a consultative approach and involving stakeholders when planning, designing and operating visitor centres and valuing community, cultural and social capital when constructing new facilities.