Tourism industry stakeholders from across the State will have the opportunity to help shape the State's tourism future, at a series of industry events starting on Monday.
An initiative of the McGowan Government, the 14 events will be held at metropolitan and regional locations stretching from Kununurra to Esperance.
Representatives from the tourism industry will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with Tourism Minister David Templeman, Parliamentary Secretary Jessica Shaw and senior Tourism WA executives to have their say on practical initiatives to ensure the success of tourism in the State.
The tourism industry in Western Australia accounts for more than 109,000 jobs and before COVID-19, contributed $11 billion in visitor spend to the State's economy.
In August 2020, the McGowan Government launched a $150 million Recovery Plan for the State's tourism industry, which included infrastructure investment in key destinations like Ningaloo Reef and Rottnest Island and a $14.4 million grants program.
Further support for the industry was delivered through Tourism WA's highly successful Wander out Yonder campaign, to encourage locals to travel around their home State and support local tourism operators and businesses.
Following the consultation, the Government will develop and release a short to medium-term strategy for tourism in Western Australia, to ensure the sector is well positioned to recapture key markets when travel opens further.
As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:
"The critical period for the tourism industry will be the first six months of operation once it is safe to accept a wider range of visitors to our state. We need to ensure the industry is match-fit to capitalise on this change. The next challenge will be the two-year period following that time, during which we will work towards achieving pre-COVID visitor numbers and spend.
"Tourism industry professionals and stakeholders around Western Australia know that we have quality experiences and products here in our State, which are world-leading and unique.
"These consultation sessions will be a great opportunity to seek their feedback, as the people who know tourism best, so we can plan ahead for future success.
"The McGowan Government recognises that tourism is a major contributor to the WA economy and employment, and is committed to working collaboratively to rebuild the industry and ensure it is well-positioned to recapture key markets when travel opens further."
