June 20, 2018 Drop in tourism dollars as McGowan focus turns to metro The $140mill drop in interstate visitor spend in WA is a direct consequence of the McGowan Government’s metrocentric approach to promoting Western Australia, according to Shadow Minister for Tourism Libby Mettam. “Like everything else this Government does, its tourism focus is determined by the location of marginal Labor electorates in the metropolitan area,” Ms Mettam said. “Excluding the territories, the reduction in our visitor spend is more than double that of any other state and we are the only jurisdiction where nights per visitor fell. “This drop has come at a time when the New South Wales and Victorian economies are strong, so for visitors from those to be coming to WA and spending less is even more concerning. “Last year, the McGowan Government cut $7million from the tourism events budget so should not now be surprised visitors are not visiting the regions.” The Shadow Minister said cuts to funding for the Aboriginal Tourism Development Program and for the development of caravanning and camping parks would only further undermine the tourism potential of WA. “Aboriginal tourism is an industry that brings in $43 million and provides 339 full-time jobs a year – many in remote areas where employment opportunities are limited,” Ms Mettam said. “In the last three years, the ATDP has helped develop, mentor and market more than 20 businesses but from next June will lose all its Government funding. “To defund a program dedicated to developing one of our most unique tourism opportunities, which the international sector in particular has expressed a strong interest in, defies belief. “Funding to develop caravanning and camping parks has also been cut from $3 million last financial year to nothing. “Regional centres rely heavily on the camping and caravanning market to sustain their economies – this Government has thrown them off the cliff.” “The biggest tourism announcements the McGowan Government has made since coming to office have been the opening of Perth Stadium, the launch of Perth-to-London Flights and promotion of the quokka selfie – all of which were initiated by the previous government and criticised by the then McGowan Opposition.” Media Contact |
