Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p90
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 257468–260669

and analysis. Investigate opportunities to work with stakeholders or form partnerships to assist with this analysis.

     6.1.20          Consider possible development of bicycle riding tracks in and around major population areas that travel through areas of natural beauty to provide an attractive option to visitors. [Note: Use of bicycles is restricted by Section 10.7.6 to vehicle access roads and vehicle access tracks unless other tracks for bike riding are provided by the Director in accordance with that Section].

     6.2                 Commercial tourism development and management

Outcomes

    * Visitors enjoy a range of quality commercial operations

    * The commercial tourism industry enjoys an encouraging and facilitating business environment

Performance indicators

    * Visitor satisfaction with the range and quality of commercial operations

    * Commercial tourism industry members are satisfied the business environment enables delivery of quality experiences in the park

Background

   'Walking is good. You follow track … you sleep, wake in morning to birds, maybe kookaburra. You feel country.'

Bill Neidjie, Bunitj clan

Well-managed commercial tour operations help visitors to experience, enjoy and learn about the park in a sustainable manner while providing an important contribution to the local and regional economies. Approximately 40 per cent of visitors to Kakadu, depending on the season, visit the park with commercial tour operators. The majority of these visitors are international. In addition, many independent travellers participate in boat cruises, scenic flights and other commercial tours while in Kakadu.

Commercial tours available in the park at the time of preparing the plan include standard land-based tours (coach tours and budget to luxury four-wheel drive tours), boat tours, fishing tours, safari camps, cultural activities, bushwalking tours, and tours to limited-access or exclusive-use areas. Depending on the type of tour, commercial operators are required to apply for either a permit or licence. Approximately 100 standard land-based tour operator permits are issued in the park annually. A number of commercial tour activities are also undertaken by Bininj/Mungguy and Bininj/Mungguy organisations (see also Section 4.3: Bininj/Mungguy training and other opportunities).

The park lease agreements between the Director and traditional owners require the Director to implement an induction scheme for tour operators and their guides. In 2005, the Board introduced compulsory entry-level Knowledge for Tour Guides training (facilitated by Charles Darwin University and co-funded by the Northern Territory Government) that can be delivered flexibly – e.g. through e-learning. The training is based on core competencies related to the interpretation of cultural and natural values, minimising visitor impact, understanding permit and licence conditions and cross-cultural awareness. Over 800 guides have completed the training since its inception.

A review of commercial tourism management in terrestrial Commonwealth reserves led to the development of a commercial activity licensing policy under which permits may be replaced