Australia's crocs 'good for tourism'

Far from trying to rid an Australian state of local crocodiles, one tourism official has said they can be a great tourist attraction.

Desley Boyle, who is the state tourism minister for Cairns, insists that the animals are bringing visitors to the area and thus helping the local economy.

"The last time one was spotted in waters fairly close to Cairns Esplanade, the tourists flocked there in some numbers with their cameras and absolutely enjoyed taking photographs," she said.

"The fascination with our wildlife, including our dangerous wildlife, is a drawcard to tourists in the tropics, far from it being a barrier or a means of dissuading them from coming."

British travellers flock to Australia every year to observe wild animals in their natural habitat including iconic kangaroos and koalas.

The sunny holiday destination also has the greatest number of reptiles of any country in the world boasting around 755 species.

Posted by Paul, 31 October 2008 17:16

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