Discussion paper explores social impact reporting in Australian regional tourism

Australian Regional Tourism (ART) and Nourish Group note that as tourism grows, there is an increasing need to recognise that the tourism industry is more than just a revenue generator: it is a powerful enabler of community development, cultural preservation and improved quality of life.

ART and Nourish Group have shared their discussion paper on social impact reporting in Australian regional tourism. Following the announcement of the program in October 2024, interest to participate in the social impact assessment program has been received by various regional tourism organisations (RTOs) and local government areas (LGAs) around Australia.

Informed by preliminary findings and further research undertaken to develop the program, the discussion paper explores various considerations of social impact reporting and reiterates the importance for our regional communities.

Dana Ronan, founder of Nourish Group advises “social impact reporting and measurement is the next big item on the agenda of many boards, councils and organisation. Without the continued support and goodwill of communities and friendly Australians to host and engage with visitors, Australian tourism wouldn’t be the industry it is today. But the social impact goes much deeper than that. That’s why we’d like to see a national approach to a social value measurement framework and every region considering its’ wellbeing impact.”

The paper looks at the rise of social impact reporting and why measuring community wellbeing matters. Tourism metrics beyond visitor counts is explored, and tools and methodologies that can be used to quantify social value is discussed.

The paper discusses eight key dimensions of community wellbeing that can be applied to regional tourism. Real-world applications, including case snapshots, are discussed to demonstrate both success stories and lessons learned. Social impact reporting presents both opportunities and challenges, further explored in the discussion paper and a key focus of the program.

Lauren Douglass, ART Chief Executive adds "Tourism is a powerful force for regional communities, but we need to measure its true value beyond just dollars and visitor numbers. The growing interest in social impact reporting shows a shift in how we define success in tourism, one that recognises the well-being of communities as central to a thriving visitor economy. This discussion paper is an important step in helping regions capture and communicate the real benefits of tourism, ensuring long-term sustainability for our destinations.

“By capturing and giving a value to the full range of benefits that tourism offers, we can build stronger, more inclusive destinations that stand the test of time. We invite councils, DMOs, and local businesses to join us in this journey toward a more sustainable, community-driven tourism future.”

Nourish Group is a strategy consultancy and ideation agency dedicated to helping businesses thrive.  

To hear more on social impact, measuring the true value of regional tourism, join Lauren Douglass, ART, and Dana Ronan, Nourish Group for a free webinar on Wednesday 9th April at 1.00pm AWST. Registration is essential

View the discussion paper and submit an EOI to participate in the program via the ART website.

Image. Travel souvenirs mean so much more when you purchase them directly from the artisans who created them, while choosing to shop at earth-conscious small businesses offers an opportunity to support both locals and the environment. Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission