Implementation strategies for a heritage trail linking the Great Southern shires in Western Australia

Abstract

This project has sought to establish the foundation for a heritage tourism product in the Central Great Southern region of Western Australia (see map 1). The Central Great Southern shires involved in the project (Table 1) are dominated by a grain and sheep based agricultural industry and may be considered to lie on the periphery of tourismin Western Australia. Key focal points for tourism development are identified within the participating shires and potential tourism drive trails are mapped to link these individual components into an experience based on the theme "Heritage of Endeavour". The intent is to contribute to the economic and social diversity within the Central GreatSouthern, enhancing the sustainability of the region. This is achieved by using themed drive trails to link the Central Great Southern with adjacent regions that have a more established tourism industry, encouraging tourists to travel through the Central Great Southern rather than developing it as a stand alone destination. However, it isimportant to recognize that the development of drive trails through the region is of limited immediate and direct economic or social consequence. This project and its outcomes are a single part of a wider and long-term strategy for social, economic and tourism development.