The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Comparative Analysis - Essay Example

Table of contents I. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..2 II. Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………...2 A. Gold Coast…………………………………………………………………………………... 1. Historical information……………………………………………………………………. 2. Importance (as a tourist destination)……………………………………………………... B. Sunshine Coast……………………………………………………………………………… 1. Historical information……………………………………………………………………. 2. Importance (as a tourist destination)……………………………………………………... III. Comparison……………………………………………………………………………………5 A. Geography: Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast……………………………………………….. B. Tourism: Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast…………………………………………………… C. Economy: Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast………………………………………………….. D. Infrastructure development (Transportation facilities): Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast…... IV. Findings……………………………………………………………………………………….8 V. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………..9 VI. References……………………………………………………………………………………10 VII. Appendices………………………………………………………………………………….11 Comparative analysis I. Introduction Generally saying, behind every tourist hotspot, one can expect the rich history of planning and creativity of a few blessed minds. Worldwide, coastal areas, especially sea coasts with wide beaches attract millions of national and international tourists. As international tourism is blooming, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Australia are international tourist hotspots. Without exploring and analyzing, one cannot evaluate the importance of these tourist hotspots. The effect of globalization is helpful to consider the whole world as a single village. So, the foretold tourist spots are able to acclaim international fame for planning and creativity. Thesis statement: The analysis and comparison of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Australia proves that these beaches comprise of a number of similarities and dissimilarities in history, importance, geographical setting, tourism, economy, and infrastructure development. II. Analysis Usually, comparative analysis consists of comparing and contrasting two themes, topics or theories. Here, the comparative analysis is based upon two tourist areas, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Australia. Before comparing the foretold topic, it is important to analyze the history and importance of the same. Gold Coast Historical information The history of Gold Coast is deeply rooted among the aborigines of Australia. For instance, the aborigines called the foretold area as ‘Kurrungul’, the place from where they used to collect hardwood for their traditional weapons. The local tribes used to camp near Gold Coast because of the abundance of fresh water supply. The geographical exploration undertaken by Captain Cook in 1770 helped the outer world to know more about this area. Later, in 1840, Dixon (surveyor) authorized by the government renamed the Gold Coast and its surrounding areas. But another surveyor, General Sir Thomas Mitchell helped to regain the older names like Currumbin Creek, Kurrawa etc. Later, the foretold areas underwent rapid change and were transformed to farms and fields. For instance, the foretold areas became the core of industrialization. But in 1933, Gold Coast was renamed as Surfers Paradise. This helped Gold Coast to be an important tourist hot spot in Australia. The development in 1950s attracted a number of entrepreneurs to this area. Gradually, this area became a holiday spot for entertainment. Now, Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Australia. Importance (as a tourist destination) As pointed out earlier, Gold Coast acts the role of an important tourist destination in Australia. The Gold Coast map (see appendix-3) makes clear that the coastal area consists of a number of world renowned beaches. For instance, Palm Beach, Nobby Beach, Mermaid Beach, and Board Beach are the important beaches in Gold Coast. The important islands in Gold Coast include Hope Island, North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island. The National Parks in Gold Coast include Tamborine National Park, Lamington Park, and Springbrook National Park. The European colonization and settlement helped the coastal areas of Australia to gain worldwide fame and importance as a tourist destination. The coastal areas of Australian continent are densely populated. So, one can see that Gold Coast is important in socio-economic scenario of Australia. Besides, development in tourism sector leads to economic growth. The growth and development of Gold Coast is the best example for the same. In addition, the development in Gold Coast helped the coastal communities to enjoy the benefits of economic growth. The importance gained by Gold Coast as a notable tourist destination is helpful to create thousands of employment opportunities within tourism sector. Sunshine Coast Historical information The historical development of Sunshine Coast is connected to European exploration and colonization of Australia. The location of Sunshine Coast, between Brisbane and Gympie gold was crucial for the development of Sunshine Coast. Earlier, the natural resources, especially the availability of timber, attracted a number of industrialists to Sunshine Coast. In addition, revenue from timber industry was the base of infrastructure development of the surrounding areas of Sunshine Coast. The development in industrial sector boosted the development of townships near to Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast map (see appendix-4) makes clear that that the main areas of tourism in Sunshine Coast include Coolum, Marcoola, Mooloolaba and Caloundra. The main Beaches in Sunshine Coast are Rainbow Beach and Sunshine Beach. The National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries include Forest Glen Deer Sanctuary, Noosa National Park, Mapleton Falls National Park, Kondalilla Falls National Park, and Cooloola National Park. The European settlement in Sunshine Coast in 1860 was initiated by Lieutenant Bligh. Besides, the development of railway in 1889 connected Sunshine Coast to other areas like Cooran. So, the history of Sunshine Coast proves its development from timber industry to tourism. Importance (as a tourist destination) The Sunshine Coast is a mixture of beaches, lakes, rivers and coastal vegetation. So, Sunshine Coast is equally valuable for holiday makers and permanent residents. As pointed out earlier, timber industry was the backbone of Sunshine Coast. Gradually, timber industry was transformed into farming and agri-business. When Sunshine Coast gained importance as a tourist destination, the core of economic boom became tourism. The chart (see appendix-2) on Sunshine Coast economy makes clear that GRP (Gross Regional Product) of Sunshine Coast is $10 billion. The rate of unemployment in Sunshine Coast is 5.6 % and population, beyond 300,000. So, tourism as a business and industry is helpful for Sunshine Coast economy to gain foreign exchange. At the same time, it helped to limit the rate of unemployment to minimum level. Besides, the Rainbow Beach is an important tourist destination at Sunshine Coast. The pleasant climate is an added advantage to Sunshine Coast. The network of hotels at Sunshine Coast acts an important role in gaining revenue from tourism. The infrastructure development undertaken by the government is the best example for growth in tourism sector. The transportation facilities include airports, railways and road network. For instance, one can reach Sunshine Coast by air from Melbourne Airport. From Melbourne, there are a number of flights. Almost all the resorts near to Sunshine Coast are connected by bus services. The tourists can choose from a number of accommodation facilities including resorts and apartments. The Noosa National Park is an incredible destination for sightseeing. Other facilities aiming the domestic and international tourists include diving and golf. The history of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast makes clear that both the coasts share similarities in colonization and development as tourist spots. Besides, both the coasts are examples for importance of infrastructure development in tourism sector. Brian Ross Roberts points out that information on Australian economy (past 20 years) prove that tourism is capable to acquire an important place in earning foreign exchange (Roberts 104). So, the analysis based on the foretold tourist spots prove that tourist spots can be developed without depending much upon non-renewable resources. III. Comparison Geography: Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast The Gold Coast is situated at the southeastern side of Queensland, Australia. The southernmost town situated in this area is Coolangatta. On the other side, Sunshine Coast is situated at South East Queensland, Australia. Besides, the eastern side of Sunshine Coast is Pacific Ocean. The commercial areas of Gold Coast include Southport and Surfers Paradise. On the other side, Sunshine Coast includes a number of beaches. For instance, Noosa Heads and Kings Beach are world famous for leisure time activities. The Nerang River is the major river Gold Coast area. Michael Luck opines that the survey conducted by DPI &F proves that 17.7 % of the people of Gold Coast are involved in fishing (Luck 193). But there exist a number of other waterways in Gold Coast area. Peter E. Murphy makes clear that commitment shown by Gold Coast City Council since 2000 helped Gold Coast to be an important tourist destination in Australia (Murphy 54).The authorities show keen interest to preserve natural diversity in coastal and inland regions of Gold Coast. For instance, there are a number of national parks in Gold Coast area and Lamington National Park is one of them. Besides, this park is an important World Heritage Zone which preserves plants, animal and birds in the rainforests. The Sunshine Coast is well known for its National Parks like Great Sandy National Park and Noosa National Park. Similar to Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast authorities show keen interest to preserve natural diversity in coastal and inland regions. Tourism: Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast As pointed out earlier, tourism is considered as the most important factor behind economic development in Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Christoph Lindner states that the Gold Coast city is undergoing rapid development because annual population growth since 1990s (3.5 %), proves the same (Lindner 180). The Gold Coast authorities are aware of the fact that sustainable development is the most important factor of success in tourism sector. For instance, Hope Island in Gold Coast acts the role of commercial cum residential area. This helps to connect Gold Coast tourism with business interests. On the other side, Sunshine Coast attracts thousands of tourists. The Australian Zoo (founder: Steve Irwin) attracts thousands of tourists who are interested in exploring the reptile kingdom. The Underwater World (Marine Park) and Big Pineapple (farm) are other tourist attractions at Sunshine Coast. On the other side, the Surfers Paradise Beach is an important tourist destination at Gold Coast. Both the tourist destinations consider tourism as a business and industry for development. Peter W. Newton states that most of the people who live in Gold Coast (14.8%) and Sunshine Coast 12.4%) are from United Kingdom and New Zealand (Newton 140). There exist less people from Asian counties in the foretold areas of Australia. Besides, tourism is not an isolated entity apart from public and domestic life of the people. So, the most important factor behind the success of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast is the local support and initiative taken by the authorities for sustainable development. Economy: Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast The revenue from tourism helped Gold Coast to attain development from a holiday destination to an international tourist destination within Australia. On the other side, easy access to international market helped Sunshine Coast to be one of the coastal areas within Australia which shows rapid economic growth. Ralf Buckley opines that IT, education, service sector, and industrial ventures are important in Gold Coast economy but the backbone is real estate business and revenue from tourism (Buckley 391). So, one can see that the backbone of Gold Coast economy is revenue from tourism. On the other side, Sunshine Coast shows more flexibility in economic activities. For instance, the Sunshine Coast authorities very well know that revenue from tourism is not constant. So, Sunshine Coast shows more interest in diversification process. But Gold Coast authorities do not totally neglect the scope of diversification. For instance, construction (say, real estate) and retail business is gradually developing in Gold Coast. On the other side, accessibility to international market helps Sunshine Coast to consider tourism, industrialization and agri-business as equally important. But Michael Harker states that ABS statistics proves that median age of Sunshine Coast population is higher than state and national median (Harker 10). This proves that major population (say, workforce) of Sunshine Coast consists of old people. But importance given to tourism and infrastructure development helps Gold Coast to fight against unemployment and related problems. Australian Bureau of Statistics states that population of Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast shows rapid increase (26% and 24% respectively between 1993 and 1998) and is deeply influenced by tourism (Australian Bureau of Statistics 86). But both the tourist destinations consider tourism and related activities as the backbone of economy. On the other side, the chart (see appendix-1) on Australian Cities and indigenous population makes clear that the indigenous population in Gold Coast area is 1.5 (in the year 2006). The economic development in Gold Coast area does not make any positive change among the indigenous people. Besides, one can see that the indigenous population in almost all the major cities and coastal areas consists is gradually declining. Besides, both the tourist destinations show utmost interest in diversification like industrialization, retail business, construction and agri-business. So, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are best examples for economic development through tourism and related activities. Infrastructure development (Transportation facilities): Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Here, comparison between Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast on infrastructure development is based upon transportation facilities. The network of roads is an important mode of transportation in Gold Coast area. For instance, the Pacific Motorway (M1) is the most important motorway in Gold Coast area. Besides, the network of roads is most helpful for the domestic and international tourists. On the other side, road transportation facilities in Sunshine Coast include a network of roads. Within this scenario, cars are more important as the mode of easy transportation. The Bruce Highway and Sunshine Motorway are the important roads in Sunshine Coast area. The Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) acts the role of the backbone of aviation facilities in Gold Coast. Besides, this Airport handles domestic flights within Australia and connection flights to other parts of the world. On the other side, Sunshine Coast Airport handles domestic flights to Sydney and Melbourne (say, domestic flights). The Queensland Rail from Brisbane to Gold Coast is an innovative mode of rail transportation aiming the domestic and international tourists. On the other side, rail connection between Caboolture and Bowen Hills is an important rail transportation mode in Sunshine Coast. So, infrastructure development (transportation facilities) in Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast deeply influence the growth and development of tourism beyond its primary aim. IV. Findings The main findings of the comparative analysis are pointed out below. 1. The analysis proves that Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast carries the similar background of colonization. 2. Both the tourist destinations are coastal areas which carries the characteristics of sustainable development. 3. Tourism is the main source of revenue for economic activities in Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. 4. The process of diversification was most helpful for the development of both these areas. 5. The comparison proves that the geographical setting of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast is similar to an extent. 6. Tourism and related activities in Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast is able to change the living standard and income of the local communities. 7. Tourism helped Gold Coast to be in the forefront of economic development. At the same time, tourism helped Sunshine Coast to be in the forefront of diversification. 8. One of the most important factors of the success of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as world renowned tourism destinations is infrastructure (transportation facilities) development. 9. Another important factor which accelerated the success of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast is dedication, interest and planning by the authorities. 10. Generally saying, the revenue from tourism did less effect on the living standard of the aboriginal population of Australia. V. Conclusion Summing, the success of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as world renowned tourist destinations positively influenced the process of development. But the economic boom in these tourist destinations was not able to exert positive influence upon the living standard and income of aboriginal communities in these coastal areas. Besides, the process of diversification from tourism to international trade and commerce, agri-business, and real estate business is the best example for sustainable development. The development of infrastructure at Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, without exploiting the non-renewable resources is one of the key factors of success. In short, one can see that dedication and planning by authorities and local support can develop coastal areas to successful tourist destinations. The success of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast prove the same. VI. References Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2000 Year Book Australia No. 82. Australia: Aust. Bureau of Statistics, n.d. Buckley, Ralf. Adventure tourism. UK: CABI, 2006. Harker, Michael. Marketing trends in Australasia: essays and case studies. Australia: Palgrave Macmillan Australia, 1999. Lindner, Christoph. Urban space and cityscapes: perspectives from modern and contemporary culture Questioning cities series. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis, 2006. Luck, Michael. The Encyclopedia of Tourism and Recreation in Marine Environments.UK: CABI, 2008. Murphy, Peter E. The Business of Resort Management. Hungary: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007. Newton, Peter W. Transitions: Pathways towards Sustainable Urban Development in Australia. Australia: Springer, 2008. Roberts, Brian Ross. The quest for sustainable agriculture and land use. Australia: UNSW Press, 1996. VII. Appendices Appendix-1 Australian Cities and indigenous population: 2006 Place Indigenous (%) Sydney 1.1 Melbourne 0.4 Brisbane 1.8 Adelaide 1.2 Perth 1.6 Newcastle 2.6 Wollongong 1.9 Geelong-Barwon 0.7 Gold Coast-Tweed 1.5 Sunshine Coast 1.3 Hobart 0.3 Canberra-Queanbeyan 1.4 Darwin 10.7 Rest of Australia 5.6 Source: 2006 census, Available at:- http://books.google.co.in/books?id=c47nD1k_efgC&pg=PA138&dq=statistical+data+on+Sunshine+Coast&hl=en&ei=jViUTOyfEcnJceGfiaQF&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CFgQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=statistical%20data%20on%20Sunshine%20Coast&f=false Appendix-2 Sunshine Coast economy Population More than 300,000 Gross Regional Product (GRP) $10 billion Unemployment rate (Jun 2010) 5.6% Area 3,127 km2/1,207 square miles Time Zone UTC + 10 hours Major urban centres Maroochydore, Noosa, Caloundra Source: AEC group 2008, Available at: - http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=economic-development Appendix-3 Gold Coast map Source: Goldcoastaustralia.com, available at: - http://www.goldcoastaustralia.com/map-gold-coast.html Appendix-4 Sunshine Coast map Source: sunshinecoast-australia.com, available at: - http://www.sunshinecoast-australia.com/sunshine-coast-map.html Read More