May 11 2018 Tourism industry left out in the cold on budget day The McGowan Government’s cuts to tourism destination development is a cruel blow to a sector already struggling with a decline in visitor numbers, according to Shadow Tourism Libby Mettam. “The cuts to destination development, particularly in the aboriginal tourism and camping and caravanning sector, are a huge blow in what’s meant to be a growth area,” Ms Mettam said. “The budget future forecasts show no funding for camping and caravanning going forward and nothing for the Aboriginal Tourism Development Program after June next year. “Regional centres rely heavily on camping and caravanning to sustain their economies and this government has basically thrown them off the cliff,” Ms Mettam said. “It defies belief that at a time when we are seeing record drops in visitation, against booming figures in other states, this Government would cut funding in this area. “This industry needs investment in its destination development to ensure it survives and thrives into the future. “The value of aboriginal tourism is also vital in creating unique experiences for the international market. “Recent research* found interest in aboriginal tourism far outweighed participation, indicating a massive potential to develop this sector, which already brings in $43 million a year. “Why would you cut funding to your most unique tourism opportunity? It makes no sense and speaks volumes about the priority the McGowan Government places on tourism in WA.” Ms Mettam also said that the cuts to staffing at Tourism WA was also a serious blunder which would weaken the industry through a loss of experience. “It’s essential we have the best people working at Tourism WA and we will pay dividends into the future if we don’t invest in the right professionals,” Ms Mettam said. “This is an industry in decline. The most recent visitor figures show that both international and domestic visitors are spending less and staying for shorter periods than in past years. “Interstate visitor numbers fell by five per cent last year and our international visitor figures are also alarming. “The international spend was down 5.5 per cent and among some of our key markets, like Singapore, it was even worse – down 10 per cent. “The Tourism Minister is constantly talking about how important the industry is and how he’s going to build it up but this budget only proves he can talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. “Western Australia has so many unique and diverse tourism experiences and opportunities but until the McGowan Government acknowledges its value and gives it the funding and resources it so desperately requires, we will continue to lose visitors to other states.” Media Contact *The Tourism WA Annual Visitor Experiences and Expectations Research |
