Peak tourism industry group TTF Australia (Tourism and Transport Forum) has applauded the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) decision to honour the Sydney Opera House with a World Heritage Listing.
The Sydney Opera House was inscribed on the prestigious World Heritage List at UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting held in New Zealand yesterday.
TTF Managing Director Christopher Brown said the listing re-confirmed the Sydney Opera House’s status as a diva on the world’s cultural tourism stage.
“The UNESCO World Heritage List is one the world’s highest accolades and recognises the cultural significance of this Australian icon, and like all World Heritage sites must be carefully looked after for years to come,” Mr Brown said.
“The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most recognised icons around the world and represents more that just an architectural eye-pleaser, but provides a centrepoint for some of Australia’s most popular cultural and city tourism experiences for overseas and domestic visitors.”
“The listing makes it even more important for all levels of Government to collaborate closely on a conservation management plan to ensure the preservation and posterity of this jewel in the crown of Sydney Harbour.”
“For Australia’s tourism marketing agencies, the listing provides an important opportunity to showcase to overseas and interstate travellers the depth of Australia’s tourism experiences in its now 17 World Heritage -listed areas.”
“UNESCO has recognised the importance and stature of the Sydney Opera House, so it’s time the NSW Government does so by boosting its tourism marketing budget to promote its newly-listed World Heritage site and the state’s other compelling tourism experiences.”
“TTF congratulates Sydney Opera House Chairman – Kim Williams AM, outgoing CEO – Dr Norman Gillespie and the team led by Maria Sykes – Director, Tourism & Visitor Operations for their continued efforts to preserve the building and its precinct, create a multi-level tourism experience and secure this World Heritage listing.”
Report by The Mole
