AusLeisure

The Western Australia tourism industry is experiencing its best summer season ever, with an industry survey revealing business activity has grown by 5%.

The Tourism Pulse quarterly business activity survey - the only real-time survey results of how tourism is performing in Western Australia and is months ahead of official tourism statistics -revealed the 5% growth for the period from October to December, and an expected 8% growth from January to March 2020.

Commenting on the performance, Tourism Council WA Chief Executive, Evan Hall stated “the latest Tourism Pulse business activity survey reveals this summer is the best ever in many parts of Western Australia.

“This comes off the back of increased state government funding for Tourism WA marketing which has brought in increased international and interstate visitors.”

While the Tourism Pulse business activity survey revealed strong forward bookings for January to March, Hall fears that bushfires and the Coronavirus are having an immediate impact on tourism businesses, presenting real concerns for future bookings.

Hall added “the challenge ahead is to maintain the positive momentum of this summer throughout 2020.

“The state government can keep the marketing momentum going to shore up forward bookings in the wake of international coverage of Australian bushfires and now the coronavirus.”

While Western Australian tourism businesses are not at the epicentre of bushfire devastation or the Coronavirus, Hall is mindful that widespread media coverage can significantly affect international interest in travelling to the state.

He concluded “a recent survey revealed 67% of tourism businesses report an impact on their business as a result of the widespread media coverage of the bushfires, despite limited direct impact on WA businesses.

“WA tourism businesses are already reporting cancellations arising from the Chinese government’s suspension of outbound group travel, as well as cancellations from independent Chinese travellers.”

Image courtesy of Out and About Wine Tours.

Related Articles

29th January 2020 - Ecotourism accommodation planned for Western Australia’s Millstream Chichester National Park

21st January 2020 - $33 million infrastructure program commences on Rottnest Island’s West End

28th January 2020 - Western Australia’s famed blue whale skeleton returns to the New Museum

9th January 2020 - Gwoonwardu Mia offers an impressive cultural tourism destination

30th December 2019 - Tourism Council WA warn visitors to avoid rogue operators to enjoy a safe holiday season

11th December 2019 - Andrew Forrest plans to convert pristine Ningaloo Reef site into multi-million dollar resort

8th November 2019 - Barossa Valley retains status as South Australia’s top wine tourism destination

25th October 2019 - Queensland wineries support new strategy to build international wine tourism

22nd October 2019 - Pilbara tourism operator claims second Western Australian excellence award

4th October 2019 - ATEC launches program for WA tourism operators hosting Japanese visitors

23rd September 2019 - Installation commences on $24 million Kalbarri Skywalk

13th September 2019 - Japanese television celebrity set to promote Western Australia

29th August 2019 - Five-year development vision released for Western Australia’s Rottnest Island

19th August 2019 - Western Australia sports tourism helps drive Mid-West economy

26th July 2019 - Houtman Abrolhos Islands listed as National Park

23rd July 2019 - Final plans invited for Perth’s new Matagarup Bridge climb, zip-line and Optus Stadium rooftop climb

9th January 2019 - Tourism Council WA calls for growth fund to stop industry job losses

2nd November 2018 - Tourism Council WA calls for change in Western Australian tourism activity

11th August 2014 - Tourism Council WA wants new Perth Stadium to attract away fans

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.