A debated issue 1. Oz tourism
1. Look at the photo and the map.
What comes to your mind?
Australia is a great place for people who love the sea: they can enjoy different activities, like being on the white sandy beach, or canoeing or sailing. It must be possible to snorkel because the sea looks crystal clear. There are lots of big coastal towns in Australia but there doesn t seem to be many people in the centre of the country.
2. Watch a report on the Australian tourism industry and discuss what you have understood.
We can understand there is a lot to do down under: we can see people surfing and diving. There s a lot going on in the towns: we have seen Sydney Opera house. The reporter is talking about the tourism industry in Australia. She says it s important, She talks about money but I haven t understood the figures she mentions.
3.a.In groups. Watch again and focus on : - the pictures ; explain what makes Australia an attractive tourist destination (group 1) - the commentary ; explain why tourism is important to Australia (group 2)
b. Report your findings back to the other group.
Australia is an attractive destination for people who are interested in nature and wildlife: there are lots of strange animals, like kangaroos, beautiful/vibrant fish, colourful sea grass.
The landscapes are very different/diverse from one part of Australia to another: the lush green forests, rivers, waterfalls, red rocks, seascapes The sunsets are very beautiful and romantic.
Australia is a paradise for sea lovers: people can go swimming, sailing, surfing big waves, snorkelling or diving.
Australia is also very attractive for more adventurous people: travelling across wild areas, speeding on trails, driving by a fence/ dingo fence (a fence to prevent wild dogs from eating the cattle), exploring the Outback.
People who are fond of travelling can experience different means of transport ranging from cars, helicopters, boats (sailing boats, old-fashioned boats/paddlesteamers), horse or camel riding.
Australian Aboriginal culture is also very attractive / is also a great asset: Aboriginal guides can explain tourists the meaning of different sites. Tourists can discover the Aboriginal Australians through dance/tribal ceremonies.
Cities are very attractive too, as there are lots of different things to do, like in Sydney for example. People can enjoy being outdoor or by the sea, the lifestyle seems very attractive (people are relaxed, talking together, going out to the restaurant or to pubs and concerts).
Tourism is obviously very important for Australian economy in terms of jobs and money. Many Australian people are involved in tourism: people working in hotels and restaurants, taxi drivers, guides, tour operators for example. So tourism provides hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Another point is that tourists spend a lot of money when they come to Australia: they buy gifts or souvenirs, they spend money on transport, food or they pay for their lodging/ accommodation
Tourism is also very important to make Australia known to the rest of the world / to promote the country. The Australian government wants to attract people from all over the world that s why they have created a department called Tourism Australia.
The Australian government through 'Tourism Australia' spend money on advertising for Australia as a tourist destination.
4. Would you like to visit Australia? Give your reasons, concentrating on what most or least appeal to you.
2 Tourism ad ''tramples all over our culture'' 1. Look at the photo The King George Falls, in the Kimberly region ( Western Australia), have a special and spiritual significance for Aborigenes
Read the headline and the first paragraph of the article (handout) lines 1 to 14. What is it about?
The Aboriginal leaders are not happy/are complaining about/disagree with/criticize a tourism campaign. They say the campaign damages their culture / doesn t respect their culture / offends them.
The photo on the right shows a sacred place so maybe the problem is with this particular place. Maybe tourists can t go to the King George Falls / they are not allowed to go there and there are adverts for this place.
2. Read the whole article and discuss what you have understood.
Find an english equivalentin the article to the following definition. 'a sort of cemetary, tombs'
3. a. In groups. Read the text again and highlight information about : - The Aboriginal elder's concerns (group1) -Tourism Australia's comments (group2).
b. report your findings back to the other group.
4. Explain why Doc reynolds use the word ''hypocritical'' to refer to the campaign (line 25)
Recap Why is tourism a debated issue in some parts of Australia?
Training task 1. Listen to four tourists talking about their holidays. Make notes. (Handout)
2. In groups, discuss and decide which of them are responsible tourists, i.e. respectful of the environment and the local culture.
3. Explain your choice to the other groups