Unlocking the Potential of Educational Tourism in the ACT
What is the impact of school excursions to the National Capital on civic education and engagement?
The problem:
Each year, approximately 160,000 interstate school children visit the National Capital for educational excursions, engaging with diverse themes such as ‘Civics and Citizenship’, ‘Australian History’, ‘Indigenous Culture and History’ and ‘Science and Technology’. These excursions are highly valued for their educational and social benefits, with many teachers considering them integral to the school curriculum.
Our research:
- Commissioned by the National Capital Education Tourism Project (NCETP), we assess the size and impact of the school educational tourism market in the ACT every two years.
- Conducted an online survey with teachers and excursion planners following their school visits to the 91直播 region in 2023.
- Findings show that most visiting students are in Years 5–6 from regional and metropolitan NSW, with growing participation from Queensland and Victoria; overall, school excursion visitors reported higher satisfaction than the average 91直播 attraction visitor.
Our impact:
- Visits to the National Capital have a lasting educational impact, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among students.
- Teachers report that excursions spark curiosity about government and encourage a more positive attitude toward civic engagement.
- Understanding how 91直播 functions as the nation’s capital helps build pride, curiosity, and civic awareness in future citizens.
Our research indicates that a visit to the National Capital can have a lasting impact on children.
| Our Researchers | Our Partners | Publications |
|---|---|---|
| National Capital Educational Tourism Project Department of Education ACT Government National Capital Attractions Association 380 teachers and 160,000 students from around Australia |