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PAY RESPECT: Intrepid suggests alcohol consumption should be banned at Uluru

The poor behaviour of tourists visiting Uluru has been highlighted in recent days, following news that crowds of people are descending upon the rock to climb it before the activity is banned for good this October.

The poor behaviour of tourists visiting Uluru has been highlighted in recent days, following news that crowds of people are descending upon the rock to climb it before the activity is banned for good this October.

It is a sensitive topic, given the Anangu traditional owners have been pleading with visitors for a long time now to respect to the rock’s cultural value by not climbing it.

While visitors will have no choice come October when climbing the rock will be banned for good, this recent influx of tourists has certainly highlighted some ethical and cultural concerns surrounding the precious world heritage-listed site.

Overtourism-uluru

Intrepid Travel, one of the first tour companies to ban climbing the rock back in 1998, believes alcohol should be banned from the sacred area as well.

And yes, Intrepid practices what they preach. In addition to not climbing Uluru, Intrepid has ceased serving alcohol within Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park.

At present alcohol is banned in the National Park, however, the tourism industry lobbied to have an exemption in the car parks.

Intrepid said their priority as a responsible travel operator was to be sensitive to local communities. Their position is that Uluru is a sacred site and Intrepid treats it as such.

Uluru National Park_KarryOn

Uluru National Park

“You wouldn’t drink alcohol in a church, mosque or synagogue and Intrepid want to pay that same respect to Uluru”.

Intrepid

Taking in the sunset at Uluru with a glass of bubbles in hand is a bucket-list experience for many, but is it the right or most culturally sensitive thing to be doing in the park? It’s food for thought.