Enhancing Niche Tourism: Prospects for south west Western Australia to integrate tourism and agri-food systems

This research builds a profile and understanding of the capacity of regions to benefit from extending their traditional industrial base to include value-added niche activities. These investigations into locally based agri-food systems and niche tourism deliver research findings to support goals to capitalize on existing economic strengths/endowments and new economic and community development opportunities, particularly in relation to the South West region of Western Australia (WA). Objectives of the research are: • To holistically map the key elements, influences, and relationships in regional food systems to understand the opportunities and challenges of premium local food and associated products and niche tourism as a means to achieve sustainable regional development. • To establish impediments, opportunities and implications of using regional food systems as a niche tourism approach in the South West region of WA. Key research questions include: • How can locally grown produce and unique farming practices, together with tourism experiences, support niche tourism to promote local enterprise and regional economic development? • How can local food systems be developed to foster regional sustainability, community enrichment and local niche agri-food advantages? This research looks at two regions in southwestern WA, the South West and the Great Southern, in-depth by analyzing policy documents and interviewing food producers, policy-makers and retailers. Results give a deep insight into opportunities and challenges of agri-food niche tourism approaches. Policy areas that may be informed by the evidence presented in this report include regional development through specialist tourism and its possible role as a generator of regional prosperity and wellbeing. Advancement of regional agri-food systems and premium local products and their integration with niche tourism contributes to understanding the development strategies and initiatives that are most likely to contribute