With global climate change predicted to increase the frequency
and intensity of extreme natural events, research undertaken by Sustainable
Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC) has revealed that the tourism
sector may be underestimating the risk of an extreme natural event to their business.
The research,
Extreme Natural Events and their Effects on Tourism, focused
on the Central Eastern coast of Australia from Coffs Harbour to the Sunshine Coast.
It identified that Extreme Natural Events (ENE) have occurred with considerable
frequency in the area over the last 167 years, with a cyclone in the area on
average every 2.3 years and an average of one severe story per year.
The study found that tourism operators showed an initial reluctance in accepting
the existence of ENEs and that there were mixed perceptions on what constituted
an Extreme Natural Event. The research has identified eight factors that could
better prepare tourism operators for Extreme Natural Events. For more information
please
click here.