AusLeisure

A 'River of Lights' evening boat parade along the Swan River has been identified as the type of homegrown event that could attract international and interstate visitors to Perth.

Drawing inspiration from the VIVID Sydney event, the suggestion is included in a Tourism Council of Western Australia (TCWA) strategy to double the value of tourism in Perth by 2020.

To potentially involve hundreds of illuminated boats travelling down the Swan River from Perth to Fremantle, the procession could be viewed from prominent Perth locations including Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay.

Based on a belief that Perth needs a significant homegrown event that celebrated the city's unique environment and fantastic outdoor lifestyle, the TCWA strategy suggests that the River of Lights could become the key pillar of an annual calendar of exhibitions, shows and events.

The strategy suggested "major events ranging from the America's Cup to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting demonstrate that Perth loves to host an international party.

"But Perth needs an annual international event that showcases the city and attracts the world's attention year after year.

"International events can be purchased, but they are expensive and do not always reflect the Perth identity."

The strategy said planning should continue for an indigenous cultural centre, a lyric theatre, the new museum and an upgrade of Perth Concert Hall.

It said the new Burswood Stadium also had the potential to boost tourism but, to do so, it was important that at least 10,000 seats were earmarked for interstate visitors to all AFL matches and other sporting events.

The strategy said Western Australia and Perth's natural assets meant that 'adventure' could be a hallmark experience for visitors, adding "no Australian tourism region has emerged as the adventure tourism capital.

"With accessible natural assets, great weather and active outdoor lifestyle, Perth is ideally suited to become Australia's leading adventure tourism destination. Perth has already established adventure tourism experiences, such as long-distance walking trails, mountain biking, sky diving and hot air ballooning in the Avon Valley.

"The key opportunity is to develop inner city adventure experiences centred on Kings Park and the Swan River."

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