WA named world-best destination for 2019
WA has been named by three major international organisations as the place to visit in 2019.
Conde Nast Traveller magazine, National Geographic wildlife magazine and the Association of British Travel Agents have all listed Perth and WA as top holiday destinations next year.
All three mentioned direct flights from London to Perth as a reason for international visitors to consider holidaying in WA.
The state currently languishes at the bottom of national tourism measures, with a July Tourism Research Australia report showing Perth to be the worst performing national capital based on 2016/17 figures and parts of regional WA experiencing hotel occupancy rates of just 49 percent.
However, that may all be about to change.
Conde Nast has advised its readers direct flights from London to Perth mean Australia should be considered for an overseas holiday, especially the west coast, which it reports as “booming right now”.
The magazine names Margaret River as an established foodie destination – heartening for those accommodation owners struggling to make ends meet in the face of increased competition from Airbnb and a stagnant tourism market.
And it identifies a burgeoning hipster culture in Perth, mentioning “a proliferation of independent new cafes, bars and restaurants in the State capital” and the annual Sculpture by the Sea event.
Rottnest Island rates a mention, as do the Orca feeding grounds of Bremer Canyon, while Scarborough Beach is compared favourably to its less sun-drenched English namesake.
National Geographic has also named Perth in its Top Place to Travel List for 2019.
The natural history staple rates the West Australian capital number 26 of its 28 favoured travel destinations, describing Perth as “a bit of a best-kept secret” and “the world’s most remote major city”, and WA as “the wild side of Oz”.
“Covering the western third of the continent, WA is better known for its otherworldly red rock formations and stunning coastal cliffs,” it said.
The state’s beaches, Swan wine region and “urban-chic hotels” all receive a mention.
The Association of British Travel Agents, meanwhile, claims said there is “so much to see and cover” in the “enormous state”, with trips to Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle Range touted to leave visitors with unforgettable memories.
“WA has seemingly endless dramatic coastlines where you can view whales, dolphins and the world’s largest fish, the whale shark,” it said.
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