Talking Tourism

Issue #563, July 18, 2019


Hello

Welcome to this week’s edition of Talking Tourism newsletter.

Visitor results reveal record-breaking streak

The latest National Visitor Survey (NVS) results by Tourism Research Australia released yesterday and the recent International Visitor Survey (IVS) results show WA tourism is riding a wave of success. The State recorded 2.66 million out-of-state visitors over the past year – the highest on record, with their spend rising to $3.9 billion. The NVS and IVS combined also showed total (international and domestic) overnight visitors of 11.1 million. These visitors, together with day-trippers, spent $10.1 billion in the State, $4.6 billion (46 per cent) of which was spent in regional WA. Taken alone, the NVS results also revealed more good news. WA recorded 1.7 million visitors from interstate with an overall spend of $1.7 billion, with both figures the highest to date. WA’s growth rate for holiday spend was also a standout – the highest of all States and Territories. Read more highlights here or view the detailed NVS and IVS results here.

 

Freckles the manta ray vision goes viral

Footage of Freckles the Ningaloo manta ray has gone viral after it was shared by Tourism WA's UK team last week. The vision, which features an amazing underwater rescue by photographer Jake Wilton, has reached billions of people across the globe. Wilton had been diving with well-known UK broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls when the ray, known to locals as Freckles, approached the pair. After a closer look at the ray, Wilton discovered fish hooks embedded near her eye. Tourism WA arranged Halls' trip and the filming of the dive experience as part of a campaign to encourage tourists from the UK to take a road trip in Western Australia. Watch the rescue footage here. Read more on our corporate website.

 

Culinary campaign targets east coast visitors

Our Create Your Own Gourmet Escape in WA campaign is rolling out on the east coast, tempting out-of-state visitors to enjoy the gourmet experience Perth and the Margaret River Region have to offer. TV, online and social advertising are part of the co-operative campaign, as well as public relations activities. The campaign kicked off with the airing of WA Week on MasterChef Australia from July 7 to July 11. Check out our five campaign videos, showcasing Perth, the Swan ValleyRottnest Island, Margaret River as well as the entire region. To find out how operators and businesses in the regions can engage with the campaign, take a look at our corporate website. For more details on the campaign, visit our consumer website.

 

New York Times talks up Rottnest glamping resort

Tourism WA’s PR team in the US has secured coverage in The New York Times for Rottnest Island’s newest accommodation offering. The global round up of new high-end camping resorts lauded WA’s Rottnest Island for its car-free status, quokkas and beaches, as well as Discovery Rottnest Island.The New York Times has a monthly online audience of almost 30 million people. Read the article here.

 

Optus Stadium named most beautiful in world

Optus Stadium has been declared the most beautiful sports facility in the world in the Prix Versailles 2019 international architecture awards.The Stadium beat out five world-class stadiums to land the prestigious honour. The Prix Versailles for Sports is a unique competition involving UNESCO and the International Union of Architects, among others.

 

Tourism WA Facebook pages hits 3000 followers

Tourism WA’s corporate Facebook page has reached more than 3000 followers. We'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you for your support of WA tourism. If you haven’t already, follow our page to keep up to date with the latest WA tourism industry news and events information.

 

Accreditation to re-brand your business in 2019

Following more than 20 successful years of recognising high-quality tourism businesses, the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program will be re-branded to better promote your business. The new Quality Tourism Framework will combine multiple tourism accreditation, business development and awards programs into a single, user-friendly online tool. To find out more, visit the website.

 

Ningaloo Centre seeks manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen, to shape the future of tourism in one of Australia’s iconic tourism destinations - Ningaloo. Ningaloo Centre is seeking a high-energy tourism expert to oversee the multiple business streams of visitor attraction, information centre, and meetings and conference venues. The successful candidate will establish and drive a team culture of customer service excellence. This position is integral to the Shire of Exmouth’s Business and Economic Development activities and requires a suitable qualified and experienced tourism industry expert. For more information, visit the Shire of Exmouth’s website.

 
 

 

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Visit Tourism WA’s corporate website for a comprehensive list of workshops, conferences and other events that may be of interest to WA’s tourism industry. To list or update your industry event, email media@westernaustralia.com.

 

Workshops for Kalgoorlie, Margaret River and Perth

Tourism Council WA will be holding workshops in Margaret River, Perth and Kalgoorlie over the next few months, covering topics including social media and digital marketing, customer service, and strategic marketing. Registrations are no open, for the full schedule and to register, click here., click here.

 

FACET Heritage Tourism workshop

July 25: Heritage tourism is part of an emerging trend towards experience-based tourism, where visitors are looking for authentic experiences and wanting to connect with their own and other cultures.  FACET has partnered with the Heritage Council of WA to deliver a half-day workshop at Heathcote Cultural Precinct in Applecross.  It will explore innovative ways to interpret and promote Western Australia's cultural heritage and include examples of the positive economic and social impacts of sharing our heritage through stories. Register here.

 

AHA 2019 Devil’s Lair Gala Ball

August 26: The Australian Hotels Association’s 2019 Devil’s Lair Gala Ball will host the presentation of the Perth Airport WA Accommodation Awards for Excellence on Monday, August 26 at The Westin Perth. This premier industry event promises an unparalleled night of recognition and acknowledgement for WA’s accommodation industry as we celebrate our state’s leading properties and the outstanding staff who drive their ongoing success. The continued pursuit of excellence should be celebrated. The Accommodation Awards for Excellence is recognised as one of the top ten events in Western Australia, showcasing the finest food, beverages, theming and entertainment. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit the Australian Hotels Association website.

 

Regional Tourism Conference registrations now open

September 16-18: The 2019 WA Tourism Conference, which is supported by Tourism WA, will be held in Karratha in September. The conference will provide delegates with opportunities for professional and business development, networking and engagement with industry colleagues, and the chance to hear from industry-leading speakers on critical industry issues and innovative ideas. To assist tourism businesses from across WA to attend the event, the City of Karratha is offering a subsidy for those who will be flying or driving long distances. Accredited accommodation providers are also offering discounts to delegates. For more information and to register for the conference, click here.

 
 

 

For upcoming Tourism WA sponsored events head to the Tourism WA corporate website.