Kalgoorlie-Boulder tourism potential

The West Australian Tourism Commission will prepare a report on Kalgoorlie-Boulder's tourism potential for the benefit of a local group working on a 10-year strategy for the city's tourism industry.

Deputy Premier and Minister for the Goldfields Ian Taylor, who convened the initial meeting last October which launched the strategy, said that with no change in current marketing, modest growth only is likely for Goldfields tourism.

"I agree with Mayor Ron Yuryevich's call for a diversification into tourism of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's industry base," Mr Taylor said.

"The tourism industry is an essential part of the State Government's strategy for growth and job creation.

"Like Mayor Yuryevich, I see it as critical for Kalgoorlie-Boulder's development into the next 100 years."

Mr Taylor said the latest full figures available to the working party showed that tourism was a significant contribution to the local economy even now.

In 1989-90, 161,000 visitors stayed in the area in commercial accommodation and spent $39.2 million.

Another 78,000 stayed privately, spending a further $6.2 million.

"The growth pattern of the Goldfields is one of a mature tourism destination with a high level of visitation but only modest growth," Mr Taylor said.

"It is a concern though that since 1989-90, the trend has been in decline.

"This highlights the fact that Kalgoorlie needs to search for new markets through more intensive promotion and distribution and to match or beat the prices of competitive destinations."

Mr Taylor said the working party has set a preliminary target of five per cent growth annually until 1994-95.

"I firmly believe Kalgoorlie must look to attract four or five star accommodation developers and to draw a different kind of tourist to its market," he said.

"Of course this kind of growth depends on outside factors but a long-term local strategy is essential if we are to attract more tourists, keep them longer and encourage them to spend more here."

Mr Taylor said the Tourism Commission's final report would be available for the working party early next month.

The working party comprises representatives of the Goldfields Esperance Development Authority, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Tourist Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, 1993 advisory committee, local tourism operators, Tourism Commission and local authorities.