of the VHHT through providing a more holistic tourist experience was identified . By providing a higher level of service a greater economic return is likely to be generated ( Beer & Clower 2020 ).
Of the numerous opportunities presented in the interviews for the VHHT and CVH as a town , the biggest opportunity identified was the construction of the new Causeway . Since its completion , the new Causeway has facilitated a more reliable service for more passengers and group bookings . Investment by the state government in the Causeway was identified by interview participants to have revitalised interest in the region and resulted in more attention and funding being allocated to Victor Harbor and Granite Island .
A number of participants reported the value of the VHHT in providing a demonstration of animals at work . People have shared history working with horses , and the operation of the VHHT shows Clydesdales in their element . Other survey participants raised concerned regarding the treatment of the horses . Many had questions , which was addressed in some of the signage around the VHHT yards , but these were not always read . A brief introduction to the Clydesdales and their work at the start of each tram ride may help improve these perceptions for the VHHT . Tourist interest in the Clydesdales and their work provides support for behind-the-scenes experiences , planned as part of the VHHT ’ s new stable complex . Over half of the survey participants said they would be interested spending time with the horses at their stables . One interview participant summarised this well in stating , ‘ Public are generally torn over the historical significance , and the ‘ animals on show ’ factor … A drive to ensure that the horse tram is more than just Clydesdales towing people across a Causeway is vital ’.
Increased collaboration and community involvement , as suggested in stakeholder interviews , is under consideration by the VHHT Authority . As a CVH subsidiary and long-term tourism asset , the VHHT has the potential to provide additional value to Victor Harbor as a leader in the tourism and business communities .
CONCLUSION Through discussions with VHHT management , key stakeholder interviews and tourist surveys it can be determined that the VHHT is highly valued and has numerous value-add opportunities as a tourist attraction and contributor to economic activity in Victor Harbor . For example , the VHHT provides a significant economic contribution to Victor Harbor , estimated to be between $ 1,153,898 and $ 1,675,351 per year , despite the challenging circumstances caused by a deteriorating Causeway and COVID-19 . Ticket sales , post-COVID-19 and since the opening of the new Causeway , have continued to grow , demonstrating increased capacity for the VHHT to add value to the local economy .
Also important is the value the VHHT holds as an iconic historic tourist attraction . The VHHT and its journey to Granite Island a novelty , operating on one of Australia ’ s longest running railways to connect multiple tourist attractions , including free entry to Granite Island Recreation Park . The VHHT is considered iconic to the region and is one of several historic and heritage tourist attractions which form a unique heritage trail .
Finally , the importance and pride in the VHHT , as an asset of Victor Harbor , were expressed throughout the interviews and surveys , especially from those who were local to South Australia and enjoyed seeing the VHHT continue to operate , ‘ The horse tram is part of our history , our culture , it is part of nature and the connection with Granite Island ’.
The VHHT has the opportunity to take a historic attraction and modernise the way it provides its service . The VHHT can add further value add through an expansion of offerings , including a range of behindthe-scenes experiences at the new stable complex to share the history of the VHHT and Clydesdales . To fully realise its value as a historic attraction , it is crucial for the VHHT to consider the services it provides on the Causeway as more than transport and to operate as a full tourist experience .
To read the complete report visit http :// horsedrawntram . com . au / about / victorharbor-horse-tram-authority /.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was made possible through joint funding from the Australian Post- Graduate Research Intern program and Victor Harbor Horse Tram and support from the City of Victor Harbor and the University of South Australia . Thanks also must be extended to all survey and interview participants and VHHT staff who ’ s time and insights we invaluable to this research .
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
NEDC23 SPEAKER
DR LAURA HODGSON Laura is the Principal Economic Advisor at the City of Adelaide where she provides economic advice and research across all of Council . Laura ’ s current projects include housing and growth , greening the economy , night-time economy and the development of a new economic policy and strategy . Laura also contributes to City of Adelaide ’ s strategic projects including the City Plan . Laura is an experienced researcher having completed her PhD research at the University of South Australia on the impact of Airbnb on metropolitan and non-metropolitan housing markets in Australia . As both an academic and practitioner Laura has worked on numerous projects specialising in transdisciplinary research topics impacting local government , including , housing , Airbnb , economic development , tourism , big data and the workforce .
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