Tuba Ongun
08 October 2024•Update: 08 October 2024
PERTH, Australia
Western Australia aims to strengthen its position as a global tourism and aviation hub while driving economic diversification, the state’s deputy premier said at a major international travel and tourism event Tuesday.
Speaking at the 24th Global Summit, co-hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Western Australia, Rita Saffioti underlined the state's commitment to growing its tourism industry.
"We are very proud to support this renowned event and leverage this once-in-a-lifetime platform,” she said, noting that the event presents a major opportunity to showcase Western Australia’s economic prosperity and aviation potential.
Highlighting the state’s strategic plan to diversify its economy, which has historically been resource-based, by expanding tourism, Saffioti said: "We have a definite plan to support and grow our tourism industry, understanding that diversification of our economy, the support of tourism in our state, is fundamental to new jobs and opportunities for our economy.”
She pointed out that a core element of this growth strategy is the expansion of aviation links, as Western Australia is an isolated state that relies heavily on air travel.
"We have embarked on an ambitious agenda to support aviation needs to make sure we can connect better to the rest of the world, to support new tourism investment and also to build events to make sure that we can attract world-class events to our state throughout the year," she said.
Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Australia has added 20 new direct flights supported by more than A$70 million ($47 million) in investments to bolster aviation, Saffioti said.
"We believe Western Australia should be the western gateway to Australia," she said, pointing to recent developments, including a decision by Australia’s Qantas Airlines to make Perth its second-largest hub.
She also outlined plans to attract investment in tourism infrastructure, particularly in accommodation, which will support the growing number of visitors.
Saffioti cited Western Australia’s unique offerings, from the rugged Kimberley region to the world-class wineries of the town of Margaret River, as key assets for potential investors and tourists alike.
She pointed to the growing significance of events in driving tourism to the state, which is focused on building a robust calendar of business, cultural and sporting events to draw visitors year-round.
"We understand that tourists continue to seek new experiences, and events provide a key reason for travel," Saffioti said.
She highlighted that another critical pillar of the state’s tourism strategy is the development of Aboriginal tourism, considering the increasing global interest in Indigenous culture.
Western Australia is dedicated to promoting Aboriginal tourism experiences across the state, she said.
"We know that tourists from around the world want to experience our Indigenous culture," she said.
Saffioti invited international investors and tourists to explore the state’s vast opportunities, adding: "We very much look forward to how we can grow investment opportunities."
