The quality of the sound, rather than its volume, plays a very important role”.
These prominent traveller trends can be used to inform councils and their partners when preparing their new destination management plan, one that will be responsive to prominent tourism trends and influences. There are other considerations too and these refer to our changing demographics and associated traveller needs. For example, as the baby boomer generation ages‘ accessible tourism’ is in increasingly high demand. This fast-growing sector accounted for around 17 per cent of total tourism revenue in Australia in 2023 / 24. An increasing number of people aged 65 and over who are also keen travellers may have accessibility needs.
The above are just a few considerations that provide food for thought and the basis of further exploration through more in-depth research and analysis. They should be considered in the context of local circumstances and visitor economy trends and prospects as they apply to the destination concerned. With this in mind, those places which understand and respond to growing consumer desires to connect authentically with local culture, community and the built and natural environments, are the destinations that will prosper in tomorrow’ s economy.
REFERENCES
https:// exegue. com / sydney-namedamong-the-worlds-top-workcation-citiesfor-2024 /, viewed 19th September 2025
https:// runrepeat. com / the-state-of-trailrunning-2022, viewed 17th September 2025
https:// www. austrade. gov. au / en / newsand-analysis / news / dark-sky-tourismdisplays-astronomical-potential, viewed 19th September 2025
https:// www. bbc. com / travel / article / 20250106-the-seven-traveltrends-that-will-shape-2025, viewed 19th September 2025
https:// www. ceda. com. au / researchandpolicies / research / economy / 2024wfh-data-update, viewed 19th September 2025
https:// www. destinationnsw. com. au / newsroom / the-next-big-travel-trend- running-holidays, viewed 18th September 2025
https:// www. havilavoyages. com / noiseforecast, viewed 19th September 2025
https:// www. spinal. com. au / news / accessible-tourism-research /, viewed 16th September 2025
https:// www. skyscanner. com. au / traveltrends / summary, viewed 18th September 2025
https:// www. warrumbungle. nsw. gov. au / Plan-Build / Dark-Sky-Planning, viewed 19th September 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SASHA LENNON Sasha Lennon is a Brisbane-based economist with 30 years’ experience specialising in the preparation of regional economic development strategies, destination management plans, tourism strategies, economic impact assessments, business cases and grant funding applications. He holds postgraduate qualifications in economics and journalism and is a Certified Economic Developer. Sasha is the Director of consultancy firm SC Lennon & Associates Pty Ltd. Go to www. sashalennon. com. au.
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