Commercial accommodation in parks promotes advocacy for the land, say tour companies, but critics argue it puts wilderness at risk
“Taxpayers often pay for the infrastructure, clearing for the creation of trails [and] quite often, marketing and promotions,” Underdahl says. “So it’s costing taxpayers a lot.”
The spokesperson said “other countries offering accommodation in parks include New Zealand, the USA, and Canada”. But Underdahl says these models can not be considered best practice, with reported issues including development creep, report errors, illegal removal of vegetation and little proof of conservation.
However, Ecotourism Australia’s chief executive officer, Elissa Keenan, believes such projects can have a “transformative impact” on travellers’ appreciation for nature and “bring attention to conservation issues”. For Mark Norek, the owner of “pack-free” walking company Life’s an Adventure, constructing accommodation inside national parks “isn’t right”.
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