Diversifying rural economies through literary tourism: a review of literary tourism in Western Australia

Abstract

This paper considers the potential role literary tourism has in the economic future of rural regions. In many rural areas, literary tourism is critically important to the economic prosperity and social identities of those places. We argue that as many rural communities look to diversify their economic activities, previously unrecognised literary assets could be useful in establishing new economic activity. However, through a review of literary tourism in rural Western Australia, we find that to develop a successful literary tourism industry more than just an established literary canon is required. The nature of literary attractions and their geographical location are critical to the successful development of literary tourism.

Keywords:

• rural development and tourism
• literary tourism
• Western Australia

Notes

While systematic interviews were not conducted for this research, a number of individuals involved with tourism in Western Australia were consulted, namely: Danielle Callan (Broome), 21 January 2010; David Cooper, 3 February 2010; Lee Hammond (Albany), 21 January 2010; Associate Professor Jim Macbeth, 3 February 2010; Manny Papadoulis, 22 January 2010; Jenny Bunter (Geraldton), 9 February 2010; Barbara Tenterton (Geraldton), 9 February 2010; Steve Crawford, 18 February 2010.