Aussie landmarks suffer declining visitor numbers

Visitor numbers at two of Australia's most iconic landmarks have declined in the last year.

Parks Australia has revealed statistics that indicate visitor numbers to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kakadu decreased by about 9% in 2011.

Uluru was visited by around 273,000 people while about 160,000 travelled to Kakadu.

The parks are two of the most famous wilderness regions in the world and the Northern Territory Government has poured millions of dollars into preserving and promoting them.

Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed area noted for its cultural and natural heritage while Kakadu is the largest terrestrial national park in Australia

Kakadu Tourism Operator Genda Campbell told the ABC that he had never experienced business so difficult in the past, stating "there was probably an 80% drop in inquiries on the internet on our website and on the phone through agents both in the Territory and interstate as well."

Campbell attributed the downturn in visitors to the strong Australian dollar and economic problems overseas, adding "when people have got money, they travel, when they don't, they don't."

Tourism Central Australia General Manager Peter Solly is confident the situation for the tourist attractions will change for the better, stating "this year's going to be a difficult year, things don't change overnight but there are some good positive signs around."

Solly added that visitor numbers to destinations throughout Australia have been decreasing and that Uluru and Kakadu are not the only regions experiencing a tough time.

Image: Birdlife in Kakadu. 

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