Exmouth tourism audit

AN URGENT audit of the Exmouth tourism industry is being carried out by the WA Tourism Commission to help resume activities in the town as soon as possible.

Tourism Minister Norman Moore said the audit had two aims — to assess tourist operators’ capacity to resume business after cyclone Vance and to develop a timetable for a speedy recovery of the tourism industry.

Mr Moore said the majority of Exmouth and Coral Bay vessels used for game fishing, diving and exploring Ningaloo Reef came through the cyclone well.

Most damage was to buildings and infrastructure in the town.

“There will be a tourism season in Exmouth this year and we will be working closely with the shire and the State Emergency Service to ensure the town is reopened to visitors as soon as possible,” Mr Moore said.

WATC CEO Shane Crockett said tourism was the backbone of the Exmouth economy.

“The WATC is developing a promotion and advertising plan to keep tourists fully informed about Exmouth.”