WA Tourism Boost – Local and Interstate

The number of Australians choosing to travel to WA for holiday and business is on the rise, and West Australians are making up the majority of overnight stays.
The latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows the number of locals traveling within WA for leisure and business is continuing to grow, increasing at a rate faster than the national average. Over the past year, the number of intrastate travelers has increased 16.6% and spending increased 24.0% to over $4 billion.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said it’s good to see more West Australians enjoying their own backyard.
“Locals are choosing to explore WA, whether that’s with trips to the South West, the Coral Coast or adventures in the Golden Outback, they realise there’s lots to see and do right here at home,” said Mr Woods.
The National Visitor Survey data released today also shows interstate visitors to WA increased 17.9% over the past year, with most of those people travelling for business. Interstate visitors increased their spending by 12.4% to $1.38 billion. This is a positive sign for the state following the drop in visitation and spend seen in 2014-15.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said while Perth remains the most popular destination to explore in the state, the data shows WA’s regional areas are also experiencing a boost in numbers.
“Western Australia’s regions are receiving a much needed increase in visitors, from Mt Augustus to Esperance and the Margaret River region, local businesses and small towns rely on tourism to keep afloat,” said Mr Woods.
Visitors from Victoria and New South Wales were enjoying WA in the largest numbers while South Australian visitors increased around 23%.
Mr Woods said recent investment by Tourism WA in marketing campaigns, including Just Another Day in WA, will help build on the positive momentum in visitor numbers.