Crockett calls for beauty use

PERTH must trade on its natural beauty, WA Tourism Commission CEO Shane Crockett recently told members of the Property Council.

Mr Crockett said exit surveys on visitors leaving Perth found overwhelming enthusiasm for the city.

“Comments that come out of that exit statement are interesting because they focus on the natural elements of the city — wonderful parks, Kings Park, the river,” he said.

“The exit statements never say it’s a well-planned city, or the buildings were lovely, or any of those issues. They are visitors — I guess they have a different perspective. In our business, we learned very quickly that what attracts visitors is the community.

“The cities, countries and provinces that stand out in our global society will be those that position themselves uniquely, individually and as a tribal society, because they will be the ones that draw attention in what will become a very similar world.

“Theming is critical as we go forward,” he said.

Mr Crockett said the Barrack Square development was the catalyst for redeveloping the city and welcomed the public attention this and the convention centre proposal were attracting.

He said Barrack Square was an $88 million project and public focus had been almost entirely on the $5 million bell tower component.