WA vital for Australian inbound tourism industry

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July 15, 2008

Australia is still one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations but needs to make more of its ‘hidden treasures’ in regions such as Western Australia, according the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC).

ATEC Chairman John King said that the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) conference, recent held in Perth, showed that the Australian inbound tourism industry still had a bright future. However he added that Western Australia’s buoyant economy and unmatched natural attractions, along with announcements such as Jetstar’s new direct Perth-Singapore route from December meant that ‘the west’ would play an increasingly important role in Australia’s tourism in the years ahead.

“At ATE tourism buyers from all parts of the globe reinforced Australia’s position as one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, and indicated their keenness to seek out new products and experiences to attract their clients,” Mr King said.

“Areas such as the Margaret River are just the sort of destination inbound tourists are searching for.”

Mr King is in Perth this week representing ATEC, Australia’s largest tourism industry group representing the interests of $24 billion inbound (export) tourism industry. With more than 1100 members, ATEC is a major player is determining tourism policy at a state and federal level. Recently it was appointed as a member of the Federal Government’s National Long-Term Tourism Strategy.

Mr King said he wanted to boost ATEC’s activity and focus in Western Australia and for his organisation to become more attuned and responsive to the issues that particularly affect the WA inbound tourism industry.

“ATEC has been working hard with the Western Australian government to minimise the adverse impact of the current WA gas crisis on local tourism operators,” Mr King said.

“One of the issues affecting further growth and development of inbound tourism to Australia in general and Western Australia in particular are shortages of skills, labour and investment in new tourism plant and infrastructure,” Mr King said.

Mr King said ATEC is now a member of Tourism Western Australia’s Gas Incident Tourism Communications Group.

Mr King said that ATEC is looking to give Western Australia a larger voice in the inbound tourism industry, and to that effect had recently appointed well-known tourism identity Margaret Wilson as its new branch Manager. Late last year ATEC elected Bernard Whewell, Managing Director of Broome and Kimberley Holidays to its national Board.

Mr King also welcomed last week’s announcement by Jetstar that the low cost carrier is soon to commence direct Perth – Singapore flights.

“At a time of airline cutbacks in Australia and around the world, this is a further vote of confidence in Western Australia’s tourism prospects,” Mr King said.

“New services from Singapore will also tap into Jetstar’s Asia wide network and provide additional opportunity for European traffic to find lower-priced access to Perth”.

While in Perth Mr King will meet Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and Perth Airport chief executive Brad Geatches, to discuss plans to increase the appeal and facilitation for inbound visitors to Perth. He will also facilitate an ATEC Industry Consultation Group aimed at reviewing the role and operation of its WA branch.

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Contact: Nick Buchan              
National Media and Communications Manager
Ph: 02 8262 5501
Email: nick.buchan@atec.net.au