8/9/06
The highly competitive nature of the global tourism market has been reflected in the latest International Visitor Survey results.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said today the results show the market was volatile, with peaks and troughs in some of Western Australia's key markets.
"Overall, recent trends in international visitor numbers and nights in WA have seen a slight decline, but the good news is our international visitor expenditure has increased to record levels," Ms McHale said.
"While numbers from some markets are down, WA is outperforming the rest of Australia in many of our top 10 developing and international markets.
"For example, Chinese tourist numbers to WA increased by 18 per cent (national average increase only six per cent) with visitor numbers from Korea increasing by 17 per cent (national average increase only two per cent).
"This growth, while off a small base, justifies the Government's decision to enter these markets last year.
"However, there are some disappointing visitor numbers from Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and New Zealand.
"While WA is feeling the effects of declines out of Japan, Singapore and Malaysia more than the national average, it is definitely an Australia-wide issue.
"Contributing factors include the strengthening Australian dollar making the cost of Australian holidays higher and the emergence of low cost airlines servicing routes between Asian destinations, which again make travel to WA less cost competitive.
"In spite of the 14 per cent decline in NZ tourist numbers, it is important to recognise this is still the second highest number of NZ visitors for any financial year.
"If we go back five years to the results in 2001-02, the past 12 months represent a 52 per cent increase in numbers from New Zealand.
"These peaks and troughs, along with the national downturn in domestic tourism, mean times are challenging for our tourism industry.
"Now is the time for constructive, co-operative and energetic support for one of this State's key economic drivers and job creators.
"Under the Carpenter Government, tourism is better funded than ever before, with the budget recently topping $50million for the first time.
"The Government is committed to continuing this support, as well as working with industry and Federal Government counterparts on strategies to deal with these challenges."
Minister's office - 9213 6900
