As a result of tourists visiting Victor Harbour for the VHHT , the estimated yearly range of economic contribution of the VHHT is $ 910,139 to $ 1,321,436 . There is an additional economic contribution of $ 243,759 to $ 353,915 , by those visitors who take an unplanned ride on the VHHT . This amounts to an estimated $ 1,153,898 to $ 1,675,351 spent in the local Victor Harbor economy annually , attributed to the VHHT and having flow on effects ( supply chain etc .) throughout South Australia .
Considering the investment made by the CVH of $ 415,400 for the 2020 / 2021 financial year , these figures represent a one to four return for the CVH .
What is the historic value of the VHHT to Victor Harbor ? This question considered the VHHT as a historic or heritage icon to the Victor Harbor and South Australia more broadly . To better understand the historic value of the VHHT , peer reviewed and grey literature on topics considering historic , cultural and heritage assets and their significance was reviewed . The reviewed research highlighted the conflicts surrounding the placing of a monetary value on items many consider ‘ priceless ’ ( Ferri , Sidaway & Carnegie 2021 ). Australian research found tourists visiting built heritage attractions , typically spent more ( TTF 2017 ) and operational replicas , such as Sovereign Hill , generated significant value as a historic and cultural experience to the Victorian economy ( EY 2017 ). Therefore , the heritage nature of an attraction is likely to generate more value and may be valued more highly as an attraction .
While cultural heritage preservation was a key factor listed as contributing to the noneconomic value of Sovereign Hill ( EY 2017 ), other research has criticised the use of local government funding to support ‘ nonviable community owned heritage tourist attraction ’ in order to preserve a cultural asset ( McKercher 2001 , p . 29 ). McKercher ’ s ( 2001 ) research found that government must be mindful of the nature of tourism and physical environment to determine the fit of the attraction and ensure it aligns with the long-term strategic planning of the region . The VHHT forms part of a historic tourism cluster with the SteamRanger Heritage Railway , Oscar Wilde Paddle Boat and National Heritage Trust all operating in the Fleurieu Peninsula . When operating cooperatively , heritage clusters are found to benefit each other and the local economy ( Lade 2006 ).
Additionally , though the VHHT carriages are replicas , they operate on one of Australia ’ s oldest public railways , therefore the VHHT holds historic significance both as an in situ and replica attraction .
The research on heritage value demonstrates the VHHT has the potential to be of great historic significance to Australia as an operational , in situ , historic attraction if appropriately documented and cared for .
What is the value of the VHHT from the perspective of tourists visiting Victor Harbor ? This question used data collected from 208 , five-minute surveys of visitors in the vicinity of the VHHT platforms on the mainland and Granite Island . Surveys were used to understand the value of the VHHT from the visitor ’ s perspective . Of the visitors surveyed only 22 % had never ridden on the VHHT .
What is the value of the VHHT from the perspective of key stakeholders within Victor Harbor and the region more broadly ? This question used information gathered through 19 semi-structured , in-depth interviews with key stakeholders . Interviews included questions on the value of the VHHT in the CVH and more broadly to gain a better understanding of the community , tourist , and business contexts . Key stakeholders were invited to participate in an interview included those within and external to CVH , for example , community members ; business owners , accommodation providers , local chamber of commerce , government ; local government , VHHT , South Australian Tourism Commission and regional organisations ; Regional Development Australia , Fleurieu Tourism .
DISCUSSION : SURVEY AND INTERVIEW RESULTS Analysis of surveys and interviews found the VHHT to be an important part of the identity of the CVH . The surveys also uncovered helpful feedback and opportunities for the VHHT to consider . For example , participant feedback indicated the need for additional information to be made available on the VHHT and the areas , including Granite Island . Since this research has been conducted , the VHHT has invested in renovations to its offices and customer service , which has helped address this .
In several interviews , the inappropriate management of Granite Island under the National Parks and Wildlife Service was highlighted . It was observed that many tourists journeyed to Granite Island only to immediately return to the mainland on the next available VHHT . A Granite Island Masterplan is currently being prepared and is expected to revitalise the Island and enhance the overall Horse Tram experience .
Feedback from surveys and interviews also suggested an appetite for VHHT drivers to deliver a verbal tour presentation rather than the VHHT functioning as a pure form of transport . While the drivers were praised for their friendliness , care of the horses and ability to answer questions posed , an opportunity to increase the value
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