The State Government, through Tourism Western Australia, is injecting $2.85 million of new money to support the local tourism industry in the wake of the devastating east coast bushfires and potential impacts on travel plans following the coronavirus outbreak.
The funding is planned to focus on attracting interstate visitors to Western Australia in the coming months through co-operative marketing deals and partnerships with airlines, travel agents, hotels and other trade partners.
Tourism WA will collaborate with the State’s Regional Tourism Organisations to encourage locals to holiday at home. The agency will also work with the Perth Convention Bureau to attract last minute business events and conferences to Perth.
Taking a road trip to discover the State will also be highlighted, which will include working with automobile clubs to entice members to take a caravanning or camping trip in WA.
This activity will complement the $12 million international marketing boost, which doubled the State’s spend in our 10 key tourist markets, to promote holidaying in WA to overseas visitors.
The agency will also work closely with Tourism Australia to ensure the proposed marketing activity leverages the Western Australian element of the national Holiday Here This Year campaign.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“We are taking a proactive approach to position ourselves to make the most of Tourism Australia’s campaign and encourage domestic visitors to holiday in our State sooner rather than later and get behind the tourism industry and support local jobs.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent bushfires and the coronavirus and although the impact of these recent challenges on tourism in WA is not yet known, announcing this funding is an important step towards ensuring we are on the front foot and supporting the tourism industry as early as possible.
“Our tourism industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the last year, but with the current uncertainty we want to do everything possible to mitigate any potential impacts.
“Western Australia offers visitors a range of experiences, and this new domestic marketing boost will ensure we entice interstate visitors to holiday in the State, whether it’s exploring our regional areas on a road trip or experiencing the buzz of our vibrant city.
“The $2.85 million domestic marketing boost, to be spent in the coming months, will enhance Tourism WA’s existing work to attract visitors to our State – including the recent $12 million international marketing boost which doubled the State Government spend in our 10 key tourist markets.”
