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WA is sending a strong message to kick start its tourism recovery.
Talking about the Tourism Council WA’s Holiday in WA campaign, CEO Evan Hall said: “With a roadmap to reopen intrastate travel now laid out, Western Australians will soon be able to get back out and explore all that the State has to offer.
“We have the opportunity to turn things around for WA’s tourism operators, who have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19 restrictions – so now is the time to start booking those big, bucket-list experiences you’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
Last week the State Government’s announcement of a roadmap to lift COVID-19 travel restrictions was welcomed with open arms by the Tourism Council WA. Mr Hall described the changes as a lifeline for tourism businesses, particularly in the South West as people from Perth will be able to head south.
“We really encourage Western Australians to get out there and support tourism businesses from next week when the first regional travel restrictions lift,” he said.
Mr Hall said a lot of businesses would need Perth visitors to make it viable to open due to the four-square metre per person rule.
“We recognise that the State Government has put WA’s economic recovery ahead of other States by allowing gatherings of up to 20 people, rather than the 10-person limit in other States,” he said.
“We are delighted that it is expected there will be a real opening up of travel across WA from mid-June. This means tourism operators in the North West could salvage some of their peak season with the support of Western Australians.
“Tourism Council WA wants to work with the State and Federal Governments on safe and sustainable ways of allowing travel to sensitive areas such as the Kimberley and Goldfields from mid-June.”
The Holiday in WA campaign will also focus hard on encouraging people to book directly with local tourism businesses, rather than through online booking platforms which are mostly owned by large, overseas-based corporations, and charge up to 25 percent commission.
“When you holiday in WA, don’t let your money take a trip overseas,” Mr Hall said.
“Each year, Western Australians are paying $13 million in overseas commissions to book locally based tourism product, costing WA tourism around 150 jobs.
“We’d like to ask people to consider making the conscious decision to book directly with tourism operators, ensuring their money stays in the local communities they are visiting.”
Mr Hall said it was expected there would be high demand for holiday bookings, particularly for the July school holidays and winter getaways to the north of WA.
“Make a plan and start booking now – every booking you make with a tourism operator will give them confidence to restart their business,” he said.
The campaign website is a non-profit, local website showcasing local tourism businesses. On the website, Western Australians can find local accommodation, tours and experiences, compare travellers’ ratings and book direct with tourism businesses, avoiding overseas commissions.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
