Rod Annear

Biography

Rod Annear has worked in protected area management for more than 30 years. He has been a National Park Ranger, Natural Area Interpreter, and has overseen the planning and implementation of capital works developments in parks across Western Australia (WA). He is currently the Assistant Director for Parks and Visitor Services with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in WA. In this role, Rod uses his knowledge and passion for technology to attract, inform and direct park visitors. He works with a team of creative designers, interpreters and architects to deliver high quality innovative experiences and facilities to Western Australian national parks. He can be a bit nerdy when it comes to gadgets and has a weakness for coffee, pale ale and 1970s fashion.

Abstract

Adventure Trails: How Trails are Saving Small Town Australia

Visitors are increasingly seeking experiences and adventure that connect them to the nature and culture of the place they are visiting. Worldwide, trail tourism is creating this link between people and place, providing a reason to travel and creating connections to attractions and businesses. Trails make sense to travellers and tour operators are adept at using them to create itineraries and products that sell. Increasingly adventure trails, trail networks and routes are becoming more popular. One of the biggest growth sectors is mountain biking, where demand for places to ride is outstripping supply. These trail tourists hit the sweet spot - with time and resources to travel and a high disposable income. And they are always looking for the next new place to ride.In Western Australia, several big trail projects are underway in Collie, Dwellingup, Perth Hills, the Great Southern and South West where mountain bike, walking, paddling and drive trails are being developed to attract new visitors. These projects are largest ever undertaken in Western Australia and together represent a massive vote of confidence in trails as tourism driver.

This presentation will provide a background to world trail tourism, look at some of the successful world and Australian examples and the factors that bring success. You will also find out what’s happening in Dwellingup and Collie and other new trail projects, what trails are being built, what the tourism opportunities will be and how the completed trail networks will be sustainably managed by Government and the community. You will also find out about the work being done for towns become accredited as a ‘Trail Town’ and how businesses can become “Trail Friendly’.