Iles [Harris], A. & Prideaux, B. (2011). The Savannah Way: Developing a successful touring route. In Carson, D. & Prideaux, B. (Eds.), Drive Tourism – Trends and Emerging Markets, (Vol.17) Routledge, UK. Introduction The Savannah Way is the route that stretches 3,699 kilometres across the top end of Australia. From Cairns on the east coast to Broome on the west coast, the Savannah Way includes 5 World Heritage Areas, 15 national parks and remarkable diversity in topography, geology, history and heritage (www.savannahway.com.au). The idea of themed route linking the Pacific and Indian Oceans via the Outback was first suggested in the 1980s but wasn’t formalised by Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory until the late 1990s (Probe, 2002). The development and levels of commitment across two states and one territory have not been without some variation. Despite this, the Savannah Way has developed into a prominent touring route. Awareness of the route is relatively high, elevating it to a level similar to other great, iconic Australian touring routes such as the Nullabor (from South Australia to Western Australia and including the world’s longest stretch of straight road) and the Overlander (from the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru). Hardy et al (2006) found that most Queenslanders had high recognition of traditional highway names but the same could not be said of themed route names, with the exception of the Savannah Way. They suggested that this may be attributed to the number of organisations using the word Savannah title rather than through extensive marketing. One such organisation is the well established and internationally recognised Savannah Guide program. The program is a network of guides at various sites along the Savannah Way (with stronger representation in Queensland where the program began), who are rigorously trained and offer interpretive insight to those visitors stopping along the route. The simultaneous development of the Savannah Way as a touring route along with the growth of the Savannah Guides program reflect a touring route whose success comes from both a ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ approach. This chapter will look at the development of the drive market in Australia, with particular focus on the themed route touring market. Additionally, the concurrent development of the Savannah Way (as a government initiative) and the Savannah Guides (as a regional
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Iles [Harris], A. & Prideaux, B. (2011). The Savannah Way: Developing a successful touring route. In Carson, D. & Prideaux, B. (Eds.), Drive Tourism – Trends and Emerging Markets, (Vol.17) Routledge, UK.
Introduction
The Savannah Way is the route that stretches 3,699 kilometres across the top end of
Australia. From Cairns on the east coast to Broome on the west coast, the Savannah
Way includes 5 World Heritage Areas, 15 national parks and remarkable diversity in
topography, geology, history and heritage (www.savannahway.com.au). The idea of
themed route linking the Pacific and Indian Oceans via the Outback was first suggested
in the 1980s but wasn’t formalised by Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern
Territory until the late 1990s (Probe, 2002). The development and levels of commitment
across two states and one territory have not been without some variation.
Despite this, the Savannah Way has developed into a prominent touring route.
Awareness of the route is relatively high, elevating it to a level similar to other great,
iconic Australian touring routes such as the Nullabor (from South Australia to Western
Australia and including the world’s longest stretch of straight road) and the Overlander
(from the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru). Hardy et al (2006) found that most
Queenslanders had high recognition of traditional highway names but the same could
not be said of themed route names, with the exception of the Savannah Way. They
suggested that this may be attributed to the number of organisations using the word
Savannah title rather than through extensive marketing.
One such organisation is the well established and internationally recognised Savannah
Guide program. The program is a network of guides at various sites along the Savannah
Way (with stronger representation in Queensland where the program began), who are
rigorously trained and offer interpretive insight to those visitors stopping along the route.
The simultaneous development of the Savannah Way as a touring route along with the
growth of the Savannah Guides program reflect a touring route whose success comes
from both a ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ approach.
This chapter will look at the development of the drive market in Australia, with particular
focus on the themed route touring market. Additionally, the concurrent development of
the Savannah Way (as a government initiative) and the Savannah Guides (as a regional
stakeholder initiative) will be discussed, particularly in terms of success factors and on-
going management.
Drive Market The drive market is one which is important to Australian tourism particularly in terms of
regional dispersal (Ballantyne et al., 2008, Carson et al., 2002), management of small
numbers of visitors to sensitive areas (Carson and Waller, 2002) and growing demand
from the domestic market.
Scott (2002) reflected that the area of ‘drive tourism’ is very loosely defined. In the
Australian context, Carson and Waller (2002) attributed this to the inadequacies of
Australian tourism statistics to capture the market’s complexities, along with the lack of
historical data consistency, lag between data collection and release and the definitional
and methodological differences between data sources available. They did note,
however, that data available pointed to the significance of this market stating that some
80 per cent of domestic tourists arrive at their destination by car.
Tourism Queensland defines the drive market as
Those travellers away from home for at least one night on holidays or visiting
friends and relatives using their own or a rented vehicle
This definition is very broad and encompasses a wide variety of road traveller. While the
drive market is not homogenous (Yann Campbell Hoare Wheeler, 1999, Sivijs, 2003,
Hardy, 2003, Olsen, 2003), it does share certain characteristics; lack of pre-booking
arrangements and a desire for the opportunity for flexibility in decision making (Gountas
and Gountas, 2008, Prideaux and Carson, 2003, Ballantyne et al., 2008), along with en-
route decision making using a variety of sources (Ballantyne et al., 2008, Hardy et al.,
2006) and a desire for interpretive, rich experiences as part of their journey (Hardy et al.,
2006).
Touring visitors A wave of research in the late 1990s explored the drive market culminating in
publications focused on the better understanding and conceptualising this market, see
Carson, Waller and Scott, Drive Tourism: Up the Wall and around the Bend (2002) and
Journal of Vacation Marketing (2003 Volume 9, Number 4) for examples. While the
search for practical parameters initially emerged from both academic and industry based
research, subsequent tactical and strategic research has seen different approaches to
segmenting this market. Prideaux and Carson (2003) suggested that factors including
type of activity, degree of structure within the itinerary, type of vehicle used,
accommodation type used, duration and number of stops during the trip along with
demographics are some factors which can be used to segment the drive market.
Yann Campbell Hoare Wheeler (1999) distinguished three categories of road traveller by
stops made, they are; 1. Travel from A to B in the shortest time making minimum stops
2. Travel from A to B enjoying stops along the way
3. Travel in a general direction, taking time and stopping constantly
Tourism Queensland later identified 4 market segments based on duration of trip (Olsen,
2003).
1. Short Break – one to three nights
2. Short Tours – four to seven nights
3. Big Tour – eight to 21 nights
4. Grand Tour – more than 22 nights
More recently, personality segmentation of the drive market has emerged. The figure
below outlines four ‘orientations’ of the touring holiday maker.
Imaginative Personality Orientation • interested in the mysteries of the
world • able to cope with ambiguity • can construct touring images &
itineraries with little information • more likely to be risk takers
Action Personality Orientation • prefer to explore the world through
actions/ behaviours • able to understand emotional
needs of self and others • higher need for social status and
recognition
• touring decisions based on emotional benefits
Materialistic Personality Orientation • prefer well organised tours • like detailed information • comfort and predictability are
higher priorities • more likely to engage in sedentary
or low level physical activities
Logical-Thinking Personality Orientation • need for knowledge drives their
exploration and adventures • interested in historical/ cultural
aspects of a touring region • motivated primarily by intellectual
pursuit • social and physical activities
support the intellectual needs Figure 1 Adopted from Gountas and Gountas, 2008
Growth in themed touring routes As interest and significance of this touring market has grown so to has the need to
understand the factors necessary for the management and sustainability of product to
meet the demands of this market.
Themed routes have the potential to generate tourism demand, disperse visitors to
regional areas and raise awareness of social, cultural and environmental significance
(Olsen, 2003, Hardy, 2003). Previous literature supports the notion that geographically
clustered attractions have the capacity to strengthen a region’s drawing power by
offering a variety of product and experiences to satisfy a more diverse range of visitor
needs (Tideswell and Faulkner, 1999, Gunn and Var, 2002). Additionally, touring visitors
can drive the entire route, parts of the route or include side trails as an adjunct to the
route (Hardy, 2003, Tourism Queensland, 2004), depending on their needs.
Olsen (2003 p.35) identified three levels of themed tourist routes;
1. Themed tourist ways of national, state or regional significance
2. Tourist drives of regional or local significance
3. Short drives of local significance only
Themed touring routes can be linear or circular corridors which link a number of key
destinations and attractions with ‘a unique story to tell which is interesting to visitors’
(Olsen, 2003). As the name suggests, they are characterised by a common theme or
experience, which is reflected in development of product and marketing initiatives (Sivijs,
2003). Definitions of themed touring routes suggest that they are larger in size and are
usually driven by bodies at state or federal level (Hardy, 2003) but cooperation and
support from both agencies and stakeholders is crucial (Olsen, 2003, Tourism
Queensland, 2004). Themed touring routes are also defined in terms of the integration of
information for users (such as visitor information networks and signage), interpretation
opportunities and product and Olsen’s model (see figure 2) shows the inter-relationships
between these factors.
Figure 2 Spectrum of themed routes (Olsen, 2003)
What makes a successful touring route?
Themed touring routes involve linkages between points of attraction and multiple
interests and motivations and effective management must work towards reconciling
these factors (Hardy, 2003). The research reveals several themes relating to the
success of touring routes. Much of the research points to the roads, signage, maps,
promotional material, variety of interpretive experiences (attractions and activities) and
facilities to accommodate the driving motorist which are driven at meeting the needs of
the touring visitor (Gountas and Gountas, 2008, Hardy, 2003, Olsen, 2003, Ballantyne et
al., 2008). It has been noted, however, that the development of such services to the self-
drive market have previously been ad hoc without consideration of the differences
between segments and how they behave (Prideaux and Carson, 2003).
Hardy (2003) proposed a model which outlined those factors necessary for the success
of a themed route.
10 Ps of Successful Touring Routes Place Route and associated attractions must be of interest to the visitor Product Elements included in the route Promotion Targeted and effective marketing of the route People Involvement of stakeholders from conception to on-going management Paraphernalia Route information such as internet, brochures or maps Path Clearly defined path and usage of signs Presentation Consistent marketing of the whole product Principles of Interpretation
Interpretative material prior to and during travel such as brochures, internet, visitor centres, static signs and guided tours
Price Cost effective for the maintenance and management of the route and offer value to the visitor.
Protection Sustainable management of the natural and cultural heritage of the route.
Source: Hardy 2003
Beyond accommodating the needs of touring route travellers, the development and
origins of the route itself may also contribute to its own success. Two main approaches
to the planning, implementation and management of touring routes have emerged from
the existing research;
1) Top-down approach
2) Bottom-up approach
The ‘top-down’ approach is one where the planning, implementing and marketing the
route is driven by government, who then engage stakeholders (typically relevant
departments, regional representatives, tourism associations then communities).
Undeniably themed touring routes require planning on a wide scale to provide both the
‘hard’ infrastructure (such as roads and signage) and ‘soft’ infrastructure (such as maps
and guides.)
Where the ‘top-down’ approach can be limited is at fostering community support as is
reflected in comments made in the Overlander’s Way Implementation Plan,
‘each town will be responsible for selling the total corridor as a themed journey
made up of a variety of attractions and experiences.’ (National Centre for
Tourism, 2004).
The reality of this occurring both consistently and enthusiastically demonstrates the
shortcomings of the approach.
The ‘bottom-up’ approach is one grounded in stakeholder involvement and organic
development. Some routes develop from other purposes, such as the historical Silk
Road in China, others have been roads of significance which have been adopted by
popular culture elevating them to iconic status, such as Route 66 in USA. Largely,
however, themed touring routes which develop from the ‘bottom-up’ do so because the
communities and enterprises along the corridors identify themselves with a theme or
experience and recognise the synergies and benefits of a united approach (Hardy,
2003). The degree to which such an approach can be successful without intervention or
support from government and agencies is uncertain but coordination and facilitation is
required between stakeholders and across geo-political boundaries for the growth of a
themed touring route of any significant scale.
Ultimately the recognition of public and private sector involvement at industry,
government and community stakeholder levels in the planning, implementation and
sustainable management stages of touring route development is widely recognised as a
fundamental success factor (Prideaux and Carson, 2003, Hardy, 2003, Olsen, 2003,
Tourism Queensland, 2004).
The following section reviews the development of themed touring routes in Queensland
which have broadly developed from with the ‘top-down’ approach. A notable exception to
this is the Savannah Way which evolved from both the ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’
approaches simultaneously resulting in a strongly identified brand, a rich and varied
product underpinned by outstanding interpretation and a network of stakeholders
committed to its on-going success.
Development of Queensland touring routes The state of Queensland has long recognised the value of the drive market and
substantial research was undertaken in the late 1990s to understand the market and
plan in a way that could harness the potential. The Strategic Tourism Roads Study
(2000) undertaken by Tourism Queensland and Main Roads Queensland identified
tourism hotspots and corridors and, among its recommendations suggested the
‘integration of visitor trails and themed routes’. Ten themed routes were proposed (of
which nine have been implemented), these were aimed to ‘promote the tourism-related
driving experience rather than the destination’ (Sivijs, 2003: 396).
Subsequently, the Drive Tourism Program 2000-2002 sought to develop an integrated
range of services to the important self-drive visitor market. A joint initiative of the
Queensland Heritage Network Trails (QHNT), Department of Main Roads (DMR), Local
Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and Tourism Queensland (TQ) its main
objectives were:
• provide a major stimulus to Queensland's regional and rural tourism industry;
• establish a state-wide marketing framework and identity for road-based tourism
across the state's strategic tourism routes;
• promote Queensland Heritage Trails Network project sites and Queensland's
Heritage sites in general; and
• enhance the experience of the motoring tourist throughout the state.
(www.tq.com.au)
The program was delivered in two phases and the development of the Savannah Way
was one of the four routes selected for Stage 1, which began in 2000 and was
completed in May 2003.
With considerable research and state funding, the Savannah Way was provided with a
clear blueprint for development with respect to signage, promotional material, supporting
infrastructure.
The Savannah Way
The Savannah Way stretches 3,699km from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in
Western Australia via Katherine in the Northern Territory, of which 700 kms is unsealed.
It offers an alternative route via Dunbar and Daly Waters (3,872kms), with 2,990kms of
unsealed roads.
It passes through a third of Australia’s World Heritage Areas (Great Barrier Reef, Wet
Tropics, Ravensleigh, Katherine Gorge, Purnalulu) along with 15 National parks. The
route traverses some of the 1.9 million square kilometres of Australia’s tropical
savannahs. In broad terms the tropical savannahs are landscapes of dense grasses and
scattered trees stretching across northern Australia but the bio-diversity is reflected in
the rocky gorges, wetlands, arid areas, grassy woodlands, tropical rainforests, river
habitats and mangrove swamps which support diverse and unique flora and fauna.
(www.savannahway.com.au).
The climatic zone of the tropical savannahs provides two distinct seasons. The ‘dry’
season from May to October, which sees little rainfall and mild weather, is contrasted by
the ‘wet’ season from December through to March where bursts of heavy downpours
occur regularly and are often associated with monsoonal lows and tropical cyclones. The
seasons markedly transform the landscape but can also limit access along the route.
Touring visitors can also witness a number of climatic phenomena along the Savannah
Way (depending on the timing) such as the Staircase to the Moon in Broome, a visual
illusion when the moon is rising over the mudflats at low tide on Roebuck Bay and the
Morning Glory Cloud in Burketown, a giant rolling cloud stretching across the horizon
which sweeps the sky just after dawn.
Beyond the natural assets found along the route, the Savannah Way incorporates
heritage sites including sites of historical significance (Camp 119, the last camp of
explorers Burke and Wills) and remains from the Goldrush days of the 1800s. From a
cultural perspective, the area reflects the rich indigenous culture along with the
interaction of all outback peoples with their environment. While sparsely populated
(fewer than 350,000 residents) a driving tourist can expect to encounter a diverse range
of people in quintessential Australian settings, from Aboriginal communities to outback
cattle stations.
Industrial tourism (based on the natural assets) also attracts visitors, from the Century
Mine (rich in history and minerals) to the Argyle Diamond mine (which produces 95% of
the world’s supply of rare, pink diamonds) to the pearling industry (both past and
present) on the west coast.
Savannah Guides Program
The Savannah Guides program commenced with the establishment of a not-for-profit
company in 1998 with the goal of providing ‘access for tourists to unique natural features
on private, leased or public property in a manner which protected the region’s assets’
(www.savannah-guides.com.au). The opportunities for regional and remote locations
were recognised and articulated, particularly in terms of economic benefits (increased
business and employment) and enhanced linkages for small tourism operators
(Kleinhardt-FGI Pty Ltd, 1998).
A planned approach to expansion of the Savannah Guides program was taken with
some very clear objectives in mind.
Primarily they were:
• act as interpreters of a remote environment
• act as protectors of the natural environment
• manage impact of visitors on private or leased property by negotiation whilst
maintaining the conservation values of the region
• harness tourism for the benefit of remote communities, including aboriginal
communities
(Kleinhardt-FGI Pty Ltd, 1998)
From its beginnings some 20 years ago, the Savannah Guides program has stretched
across Queensland and the Northern Territory to underpin the Savannah Way touring
route (the Savannah Guides do not currently operate in Western Australia). Self drive
visitors along the route can stop along the well signed Savannah Way and clearly
identify Savannah Guide sites, operators, stations or master operators (see figure 3)
The program has two schools per year where specialists, observers, trainees and guides
can come together and learn from each other. Guides need to go to at least one of the
two schools each year as part of their employment. The guides start as Trainee Guides
then work their way to a higher status, similarly the operators can be elevated from
Savannah Guide Operator to Master Operator.
Category Level Entry Requirement Entry Description Savannah Guide Station 1. Tour of substance
involving natural and/or cultural assets.
2. Camping and/or accommodation facilities
3. More than 100 kms from another Savannah Guide location
A location of major significance and high level commitment to Savannah Guides’ philosophy
Savannah Guide Site Part time tour involving natural and/or cultural assets
A location of developing importance
Savannah Guide Operator/ Master Operator
Tours into the Savannah Gulf region
A promoter of the Savannah region through tour/ transport operations