Talking Tourism

WAITOC and Tourism WA partnership strengthened

The Chairs of Tourism WA and WAITOC, Nathan Harding and Doc Reynolds, today signed a new $3.6 million four-year agreement that provides support for WAITOC’s governance, marketing and business support activities. The Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), incorporated in 2002, is the peak representative body for Aboriginal tourism businesses in WA and is the only state-based Aboriginal tourism body providing Aboriginal-to-Aboriginal outcomes in Australia.  With this new funding agreement in place, the next four years will see the partnership between WAITOC and Tourism WA strengthen and some new initiatives delivered. Click here for information on Aboriginal tourism development initiatives in Western Australia.

New WA Gourmet Escape events have foodies spoiled for choice

Western Australia Gourmet Escape will have a range of exciting new experiences in its new format, hosted across three locations - the Swan Valley, Perth and Margaret River. Eight new events were added to the 50-plus event line-up last week, including three collaboration dinners between some of the city’s best restaurants and world-renowned culinary talent; a Tex-Mex Takeover at Mandoon Estate; and the Fraser Gallop Estate Friday Long Lunch. Other new events include a six-course lunch presented by Momofuku executive chef Paul Carmichael and Yarri head chef Aaron Carr, Wine and Sign with Marco Pierre White at Gourmet Feast in the Valley, and Wine and Swine with Colin Fassnidge at the Gourmet Village, Margaret River. Read more on our corporate website or visit the Gourmet Escape website.

Japanese star’s WA road trip to be viewed by millions

Japanese TV star and musician Takeshi Tsuruno has embarked on a WA road trip for Japanese travel show, Tsuruno Tabi, which is expected to be broadcast to around 40 million households in Japan. The WA episode follows Mr Tsuruno and his friends as they travel through Perth before hitting the road to Monkey Mia. Along the way they will explore destinations including Lancelin, Cervantes, the Pinnacles, Geraldton, Mingenew, Mullewa, Kalbarri, Coalseam Conservation Park, Shark Bay, Hamelin Pool and Shell Beach. It's the first time the show has been filmed outside of Japan and is part of a promotion by Tourism WA, Tourism Australia and All Nippon Airways of the new direct flights between Tokyo and Perth. The program is expected to go to air before the end of the year on TV network BS Fuji. Read more on our corporate website.

Have your say on development of Perth’s Swan River

Western Australians are being encouraged to provide feedback on how the Swan River can be better used between the Narrows and Windan Bridges. The draft Perth Water Precinct Plan addresses foreshore protection, tourism opportunities, activation and recreation, public and private transport, and the cultural importance of the area, while allowing enough flexibility for new opportunities or proposals. The plan was developed by the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in cooperation with Tourism WA, the Cities of Perth and South Perth and the Town of Victoria Park; the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage; the Department of Transport; and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority. The plan can be viewed here and feedback can be emailed to the Department. The community consultation period is open until October 23.

WA hotels shine at national awards

Western Australia’s hotels collected a number of awards at the 2019 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence on Monday, claiming Australia’s best hotel and best restaurant. Crown Towers Perth was awarded the esteemed Overall Hotel of the Year Award, while Wildflower at COMO The Treasury claimed the Best Restaurant (Metropolitan) Award and The Court was named Australia’s Best Redeveloped Hotel (General Division). Long Chim won the Best Bar Presentation and Service (Metropolitan) Award and Daren Holscher from Odyssea City Beach was crowned with the Employee Excellence in Service (General division) Award. For more information, visit the AHA WA website.

Funding boost for Laverton Visitor Centre

The Great Beyond Visitor Centre at Laverton has received a $1.3 million State Government funding boost to expand and refurbish its facilities in order to improve its customer service and visitor experience. The Shire of Laverton will also contribute $1.3 million to the upgrade, which is expected to create around 17 jobs during construction and another eight ongoing jobs at the refurbished centre. The centre is expected to attract travellers on the Outback Way, a national road project to seal all sections of road from Perth to Cairns. Read more in the State Government media release.

Forbes article features Qantas cabin crew tips for Perth

Tourism WA’s US team has secured coverage for Perth’s top restaurants, bars and attractions to a potential 30 million Forbes monthly readers. The article profiles three Perth-based Qantas cabin crew and what they love to do in and around Perth. From weekends at Rottnest Island and Margaret River to exploring Perth’s local beaches and markets, the coverage highlights the transformation of the city and its proximity to many spectacular natural wonders. Read the full article here.

Spotlight on Margaret River in Kia Ora magazine

A seven-page feature story on the Margaret River region has been published in Air New Zealand’s inflight Kia Ora magazine. The story is the result of a Tourism WA-hosted post-Australian Tourism Exchange famil. The story highlights the natural attractions, food, wine and brewery experiences in Margaret River, Yallingup, Dunsborough and Busselton. Kia Ora magazine has a monthly readership of almost 400,000 people.

WA on show at Marketplace in United States

Western Australian experiences were front and centre at Australia Marketplace in Los Angeles from August 26-29. WA sellers met with 100 buyers and Premier Aussie Specialists across three days at the annual event. A sponsored lunch shone the spotlight on the city and Kimberley expedition cruising, with Broome pearls, Aboriginal art and Margaret River wine given out to the lucky winners of an interactive quiz. Additional training and networking opportunities were conducted with Helloworld agents and advisors from Signature Travel Network.

Tree sculptures breathe life in to Norseman’s visitor centre

New tree sculptures are the latest feature to be added to the Woodlands Cultural, Community and Visitor Centre in Norseman. The Wanyar, or water sculpture trees, are currently being installed, with work expected to be finished by the end of the year. The State Government has invested $1.6 million to turn an existing building in the Norseman town centre into the visitor centre, encouraging visitors to spend longer in the destination. Read more information here.