So where are they all, exactly?
June 3, 2008An article in The Age notes that tourism has flatlined over the past 7 years. The Tourism Minister has pointed out that soaring petrol prices and the strong Aussie dollar are factors in tourism’s decline. I can’t help but wonder whether there’s another much less important factor - Australia’s rising nationalist sentiments.
You only have to look at any thread on Muslims in any Aussie forum to see the rise in Aussie nationalism, and the increasing hostility towards foreigners. Particularly those from Asian countries or the Middle-East. Not to mention the increasing perception abroad of Australians as being obnoxious in their behaviour while overseas. I personally think the perception is totally justified - I’ve seen that behaviour for myself and it ain’t pretty.
So why would foreigners want to visit our country if that’s the kind of hostile welcome they’re going to receive? I don’t think it’s occurred to the Tourism industry yet that if they want to increase their numbers, they might want to look at Australia’s hostile attitude towards non-white foreigners too. Otherwise we’ll become the pariah of both European and Asian tourists.
That is, if we aren’t already.
Fairly astute observation here. I have many asian friends. I live in a small mining town - that said, it one of the richest per person places to work. Rather expensive obviously. Their attitudes to blacks, gay, basically anyone not into football is really horrible. I get pulled up for overexaggeration by people who don’t actually live out here… Even the women bitch non-stop about the asian ladies who stock shelves. Sorry, the examples are endless…I could go on and on.
However in Brisbane (I lived there for four years until an illness) I find some rather strange racial tensions. In some ways, thankfully, minitory groups are far more aggressive now. But I am single, white and straight and have found myself on the end of some very disturbing remarks that were made because I have tattoos and did alot of walking on my own. No crazy antics, no pink shirts, no handbag (lol) but because I was seen walking quite often (in my work gear) on my own one day I had my life threatened and subsequently was harassed for 3 months. Even after facing off with these people, they refused to actually explain themselves and it got worse. Some of my Japanese aquitences dislike Brisbane after about a month or so. Koreans also have a rough time of it, often their few bars etc are the joke of the night for many drunk people.
Anyway, I could go on. But it matters little, Australian Tourism has many issues with which to worry about. Perhaps the main thing is, not everybody is impressed anymore by Australia and really, I often feel like the “shine” of Australia has worn off. If your Tasmanian I suggest you disassociate from Australia
and come back during the next great prohibition 
If you have MSN you should add me on writtenontheskin@hotmail.com I just finished university and have a few weeks spare so you’ll find me online often.
Comment by Me again lol — June 18, 2008 @ 10:10 am
I can’t speak for every Taswegian, but I don’t think we should disassociate ourselves from the mainland for one simple reason - shopping bargains! Computer parts are awfully expensive down here - I was quoted $725 for a 24″ LCD Monitor which would cost ~$600 in Sydney.
Comment by spacehamster — June 19, 2008 @ 12:03 am
That’s a huge price difference WTF. I just ordered a new comp from Melbourne. 9800GTX, OC duo core, 4gig 800mhz ra ra ra. It’s easier to buy stuff from your local but well-known (online etc.) people. I have put up with huge price hikes as well living out in the sticks. They call them “Mine Taxes” a funny way of saying: “we’re ripping you the fuck off and you can’t do shit because your earn so much and we explain it away with petrol prices and stuff…”
Comment by Me again lol — June 21, 2008 @ 1:31 pm