Cape to Cape Eco Accommodation Pre-Feasibility Study
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Cape to Cape Eco Accommodation Pre-Feasibility Study FINAL REPORT | October 2020 Document Register Version Report Date Version 1 Draft Final Report – Cape to Cape Eco- 30 May 2020 accommodation Pre-feasibility Study Version 2 Revised Draft Final Report – Cape to Cape Eco- 14 June 2020 accommodation Pre-feasibility Study Version 3 Final Report – Cape to Cape Eco-accommodation 30 July 2020 Pre-feasibility Study Version 4 Revised Final Report – Cape to Cape Eco- 28 August 2020 accommodation Pre-feasibility Study Version 5 Revised Final Report – Cape to Cape Eco- 28 October 2020 accommodation Pre-feasibility Study V2 This report was prepared by TRC Tourism in relation to the Cape to Cape Eco Accommodation Pre- Feasibility Study. Disclaimer Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied in this document is made in good faith but on the basis that TRC Tourism is not liable to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to in this document. ©Copyright TRC Tourism Pty Ltd www.trctourism.com Cape to Cape Eco Accommodation Pre-Feasibility Study | FINAL REPORT | October 2020 Contents Executive Summary 1 1 Introduction 5 2 The C2C Experience 7 3 Demand, trends & target markets 15 4 Assessment of Cape to Cape 26 5 Positioning the Cape to Cape for success 44 6 Viability of new eco-accommodation 48 7 Conclusions and recommendations 56 8 Appendices 60 APPENDIX A – TOUR OPERATORS AND TRANSPORT PROVIDERS C2C 61 APPENDIX B – ACCOMMODATION LIST 63 APPENDIX C – TOURISM RESEARCH AUSTRALIA (TRA) DATA ANALYSIS 70 APPENDIX D - TRENDS 74 APPENDIX E – GREAT WALKS OF AUSTRALIA (GWOA) 78 APPENDIX F – CASE STUDIES 83 APPENDIX G – PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS 95 APPENDIX H – C2C ON TRAIL ACCOMMODATION VIABILITY MODELLING 100 APPENDIX I – FUTURE TRACK PRIORITIES 110 APPENDIX J - COLLECTION OF TRACK USE FEES 112 Cape to Cape Eco Accommodation Pre-Feasibility Study | FINAL REPORT | October 2020 Executive Summary The Cape to Cape (C2C) Track is a long-distance walking trail located in the far south-west corner of Western Australia, 250 kilometres south of Perth. It meanders along the whole length of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, which forms the backbone of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. The Cape to Cape Walk is the ‘backbone’ of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. The Park attracts 3.37M visitors per annum (2018-19)1, making it the most popular national park in Western Australia. The Park’s popularity is not surprising given it is only a three hour drive south of Perth, and borders the iconic Margaret River winery region and the broader ‘Australia’s South West’ region which is synonymous as a place rich in nature, adventure, culture, coastal, culinary and historical experiences. The C2C is within this well-known area and provides a range of connecting experiences stretching from Cape Naturaliste in the north, following the coast to Cape Leeuwin in the south 123 km away. Four walker markets use the Cape to Cape. These are: Although many people visit the National Park each year for a range of recreational activities, the C2C itself attracts around 20,000 walkers per year, who undertake a range of short, day and multi-day walks. With over 70 step-on / step-off access points, around 6,000 of the track’s walkers per year do an overnight walk (from 1 night through to 7 nights). Approximately 1000 of these walkers complete the entire 8 day end-to- end walk.2 The C2C offers both fully facilitated and independent walking experiences. There are currently six operators offering a range of off track accommodated itineraries, including one operator delivering the Great Walks of Australia signature C2C experience. Walkers can also undertake the walk independently with some campsites provided by DBCA. 1 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, national park visitation 2018-2019 2 TRC estimates Cape to Cape Eco Accommodation Pre-Feasibility Study | FINAL REPORT | October 2020 1 With possible growth and interest in the C2C experience, Tourism WA have commissioned this study to understand the demand and the opportunity for new eco-accommodation along the Track. The brief required three types of accommodation to be evaluated: » Budget camping accommodation (self-catered camping) » Moderate accommodation (ie basic tent, limited catering, shared ablutions) » Upmarket accommodation (ie cabin / luxury tent, fully catered, en-suite ablutions). The findings • Demand is likely to grow for the Cape to Cape track through a) tourism growth over time beyond COVID-19 b) increasing interest in nature based and adventure activities and c) growth amongst markets that have a high propensity for this type of experience. • The optimal positioning and point of difference that will enable the Cape to Cape to grow the supported walker market share relative to other well-known multi day walks, lies in the connection between the walk and other attributes and experiences of the destination. This has been expressed and re-iterated by commercial operators and other stakeholders. This positioning predominantly relies on in region accommodation from which walkers are transported to and from trailheads on a daily basis. • Much of the track infrastructure is in poor condition, in comparison to, for example all the Great Walks of Australia tracks, requiring considerable investment in alignments, surface, drainage and allied amenities to be of a standard suited to a great walking experience. • There also continues to be potential for growth in the independent walker market that undertakes longer walks (e.g. 7 night end to end), camps and carries their own luggage, as well as camping with luggage transfers between overnight camps. • Whilst a large range of accommodation exists in the region, there are gaps in the high end accommodation, although three new high-end accommodation properties are planned, all within close proximity to the track. Existing average annual occupancy rates are low at 55%, which is anticipated to be further impacted with a downturn in visitation and the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 • Camping facilities for independent overnight walkers on the track are inadequate and inappropriately spaced to meet market needs. Financial returns on investment in accommodation Based on the three accommodation categories, the following financial returns were estimated should new on-track accommodation be developed: Budget accommodation The establishment of budget style camping facilities supporting a largely independent and self catering market, charged at $11/night (DBCA fee rate), would see a reasonable return on investment at each of the modelled growth rates (current on track campsites along the north of the track charge no fee). Moderate accommodation The establishment of moderate style camping facilities (basic tents provided, on-site camp manager / host, communal cooking shelter, shared amenities etc.) charged at $25 / night, would not see a return on investment at each of the modelled growth rates for several years. Cape to Cape Eco Accommodation Pre-Feasibility Study | FINAL REPORT | October 2020 2 However, for the moderate level accommodation, if there were no provision of tents or catering requirements, an on-site manager would not be required. Under this scenario, still charging at $25/person/night and with a similar investment into good quality facilities (designated tent platforms for own tents, a communal shelter and toilets) on each growth rate a solid return on investment would be delivered. Upmarket on trail accommodation This type of accommodation was evaluated on the basis of three nights/sites as the market that would pay for this type of accommodation is unlikely to walk for seven days. It is based on a capacity of 12 guests plus two staff/location based on the experience of other iconic multi day walks where an exclusive experience on track is desirable. The analysis examines the return on investment for one of the sites and the result would be the same for each of the sites. For a range of occupancy levels from 50-100%, the return on investment is adequate at 75% and 100% occupancy rate and negative at lower rates. Recommendations Upmarket accommodation • Given the financial analysis of ROI for upmarket accommodation, the additional high end properties coming on-line near the track in the future, the broad range of off track accommodation already available and the downturn in the tourism industry due to COVID-19, we would not recommend offering upmarket accommodation for EOI at this stage. Demand could be re-evaluated in a few years after the track has been upgraded, campsites established, continued promotion and positioning of the experience and the tourism industry has recovered. • On track upmarket accommodation could also dilute what we believe to be the optimal positioning for the Cape to Cape for supported walkers – the experience enables a connection between the walker and the destinations’ character, attributes and values. Staying in upmarket accommodation on track does not enable the same level of local interaction with the destination as offered by off track options. Camping facilities • Whilst budget camping facilities could be provided, it is recommended that as the track is upgraded, priority should be given to a consistent high standard of moderate standard camping facilities at appropriately distanced locations, suited to 7-night walks by independent overnight walkers and walker groups. Moderate standard camping would see attractive campsites, potentially with tent platforms, shared ablutions plus a cooking and gathering shelter. Under this scenario there would not be ‘tents’ or similar provided, but walkers would bring their own. Opportunities could also be provided for commercial operators to store equipment and, potentially, have separate sites nearby. Walkers could, if they wished, avail themselves of local services to transport luggage between campsites.