Key Elements Contributing to Effective and Sustainable Visitor Centres: An Evaluation of the Strahan Visitor Centre, Tasmania, Australia

Abstract

This report presents a case study evaluation of the Strahan Visitor Centre, Tasmania, Australia. On-site visitors were surveyed using a structured questionnaire to determine who used the Centre and respondent’s views regarding the facility. In addition, 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 effective and sustainable visitor centres. This report identifies that the Strahan Visitor Centre is popular with visitors. However, the study acknowledges that the Centre has also been controversial and it has attracted criticism from other stakeholder groups. As a result, it is important to also consider the needs of management, operators, and local communities and cultural communities. Recommendations include incorporating visitor centres within a comprehensive regional strategy, designing innovative and distinctive facilities, choosing the location carefully, providing multiple functions, adopting a consultative approach and including all stakeholders in the planning and design process.