By : Alice Moore and Elena Talevska
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Introduction
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The current state of the political environment
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The impact politics has on the tourism industry
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Threats and opportunities
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Ideas and solutions
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The political environment simply refers to the way a
country is being run in terms of politics.
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The political system and ideology
The role of government in the economy
Political instability
Australia’s international political relationships
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Political system refers to the institutions of government, power relationships,
decision-making processes and the role and involvement of pressure groups.
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Political ideology refers to the prevailing political philosophy in a country,
covering such issues as the role of market forces and government intervention;
attitudes towards profit-making and risk; and towards foreign-owned firms.
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First, in many countries, regardless of the political system and ideology, the
government is a major consumer of goods and services especially in the
tourism industry. One example is Inbound and outbound travel between
countries. Given that government policy maybe different from purchasing
decisions made by individual consumers or business, international marketers
must have knowledge in this area.
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Political instability is probably the most serious problem. Unanticipated
changes in the political environment introduce the greatest degree of
political risk into international buying behaviour.
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The external political relationships of a country can also have important
repercussions in the tourism industry and buying behaviour for consumers.
for example the idea to make Australia and new Zealand one domestic flight,
shows a good relationship between the two countries.
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Australia
Fiji
America
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The political environment in Australia is currently
stable if not excellent. With Kevin Rudd as prime
minister.
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Since becoming prime minister Kevin Rudd has
spent close to $3.4 million on overseas travel.
Australia has an excellent relationship with all
countries that are important to inbound and
outbound tourism.
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On 5 December 2006, Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander, Commodore Frank
Bainimarama, announced that he had assumed executive power, that he had dismissed the
duly elected government of Fiji and declared a state of emergency. Subsequently (4 January
2007), Bainimarama claimed to have returned executive authority to the President, who then
appointed Bainimarama ‘interim Prime Minister’
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The Australian Government strongly condemned the Fiji military’s unconstitutional removal of
Fiji’s elected government. Despite claims to the contrary by the military regime,
Bainimarama’s take-over is illegal and cannot be justified.
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Australia responded firmly by imposing travel restrictions on Bainimarama, his supporters
and their families. These restrictions also apply to members of the unconstitutionallyappointed ‘interim government’ and their families. Defence cooperation has been suspended.
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The most recent change to the American
government was the induction of the president of
the united states of America Barack Obama, who
wrote history as he was the first black American
man to be named president of the USA.
This has been a positive for the USA
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Relationships Between politics and tourism -“The political aspects of
tourism are interwoven with its economic consequences…tourism is
not only a “continuation of politics” but an integral part of the world’s
political economy. In short, tourism is, or can be, a tool used not only
for economic but for political means” (Edgell, 1990).
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The attack on the world trade centre was the first
wake up call in terms of terrorism. Some people are
afraid to travel and when they do they get frustrated
because of the waiting and checking at airports
making them not want to travel again.
Wholesalers and small retailers based on tours to
Fiji or Papua new guinea aren't making many sales
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The first major terrorist attack on the USA’s World
Trade centre was a big wake up call and since then
security has been extremely tight.
People feel safer to travel knowing security is a
much higher concern.
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Alliances
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Governments working together
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Government funding
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Visas
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Tourism White Paper
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World Trade Organisation (WTO)
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Making flights between Australia and New Zealand
domestic
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Asia, Europe, Japan, The Americas, The Gulf Countries
and New Zealand
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Australia and China negotiated a free trade agreement
that would be a significant benefit for both countries.
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Was established in November 2003, lasts for a
period of four and a half years.
The Tourism White Paper aims to strengthen the
relationships with these countries by presenting
framework to achieve this vision.
It is an injection of money the Australian
Government have invested
It is a tourism initiative designed to improve
international marketing strategies, support
domestic tourism marketing and promotion, and
improve tourism information, research and
forecasts.
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The Approved Destination Status Scheme (ADS)
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Work and holiday visas
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The Tourism White Paper
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Terrorism
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Political Unrest
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The Tourism White Paper funding finishes in 2008
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The industry will suffer, Will be harder to promote
and build this industry.
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It will be tougher to encourage people to travel.
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The foremost threat impacting the tourism industry.
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The September 11 2001 terrorist attacks in the
United States
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Safety and Security
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Bangkok, Thailand
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Fiji
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Fiji - 1987: As a result of a mainly non-Fijian
government being elected.
Two military coups occurred within four
months.
Qantas imposed a two-month ban on flights to
Fiji, following the hijacking attempt of an Air
New Zealand Boeing 747.
Travel Insurance cover was withdrawn after
negative Australian government travel advice.
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Abide by Government rules and regulations
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Proposing for more funding by the government
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Focus on domestic travel and send tourists to safe
places
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Aussie Enthusiasts program, helps businesses
promote and sell Australia.
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Overall Australia's political stance in the world is
stable if not good. Our Government supports the
tourism industry and the threats posed against the
tourism industry in Australia are not that
substantial. If Australia continues to establish and
sustain relationships/Alliances with other countries,
Australia will lift it’s profile throughout the world.
The opportunities that are present at the moment,
considering the economic downturn are pretty good
because people will still travel even if its domestic,
which keeps tourism in business.
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Tourism Australia.com
Department of foreign affairs and trading.com
WTO.com
ABCNEWS.com
Department of immigration and citizenship.com
Smartraveller.gov.au