A RETIRED tourism academic living in Wynnum says the Bayside is failing to attract domestic and international tourists because it lacks the accommodation and attractions travellers expect.
Former University of Queensland Associate Professor, Dr Ian Patterson, has weighed into the debate about the region’s tourism potential following a recent Redland Bayside News article titled “Travel writer urges authorities to promote Brisbane Bayside”.
Dr Patterson says that while events like the Halloween Parade and Fringe Festival attract day-trippers, he believes Wynnum and Manly fall short of being a genuine tourist destination.
“Tourists must stay overnight to be considered visitors under tourism definitions, and right now Wynnum/Manly simply doesn’t have the infrastructure to support that,” Dr Patterson said.
“Unless international tourists are visiting family and friends, there’s little to draw them here compared to Brisbane or coastal destinations.”
Dr Patterson, who specialised in tourism motivations throughout his academic career, said modern travellers sought adventure, cultural enrichment, unique food, nature and relaxation – all things that Brisbane and other parts of Queensland offer in abundance.
He compared Wynnum’s offering to Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point Cliffs, South Bank, GOMA and Lone Pine Sanctuary, as well as the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef – all popular drawcards.
In contrast, he said Wynnum’s once-thriving domestic tourism industry had faded since its 1900s heyday.
“We had guest houses like Wynnum House and Ingleston Guest House, which gave visitors somewhere to stay overnight,” he said.
“Since Ingleston burned down in 1947, there’s been no real effort to replace that style of accommodation.”
To revitalise the Bayside, Dr Patterson has proposed several ideas, including developing a 4 or 5-star hotel overlooking the water – similar to Redcliffe’s Sebel Margate Beach or Scarborough Beach Resort – and rebuilding and expanding the foreshore, particularly Pandanus Beach, to make it more appealing to families with young children.
He also suggested creating a First Nations arts and cultural centre to showcase Aboriginal heritage and stories, along with investing in the upgrade of St Helena Island to transform it into a world-class heritage site akin to San Francisco’s Alcatraz, which attracts more than a million visitors annually.
“Wynnum/Manly has enormous potential, but we need investment and vision to make it a true tourism destination,” he said.
Councillor Alex Givney said the Wynnum Manly area was a much-loved Bayside community and more and more people discover how wonderful it is every day.
“Just like Dr Patterson, many locals have great ideas to make the Bayside even better, and projects like the Wynnum Central Suburban Renewal and the Foreshore Master Plan provide opportunities to collate these suggestions,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing what our community prioritises, and I’m confident that these ideas will help make it an even better place to live, work and visit.”
