Tourism boost creates 2,000 jobs

The Tourism Council WA has attributed the creation of 2,000 jobs in the sector to a major rise in domestic tourism. 

The national visitor survey released by Tourism Research Australia showed that domestic overnight visitors increased by 9.1 per cent for the year, with an additional $451 million spend in the state economy.

Tourism Council WA estimated that tourism generates about 93,000 jobs in Western Australia. 

“The boost comes from local leisure tourists, interstate visitors staying with family and friends and a rebound in business travel,” Tourism Council WA chief executive officer Evan Hall said.

“Better state marketing, cheaper Perth hotels and affordable interstate flights are all contributing to strong growth in domestic tourism.”

Mr Hall said the state government’s investment in tourism marketing was starting to pay off and new attractions such as the Burswood football stadium should drive future growth.

“Tourism growth will drive job creation over the next few years as the resource sector tapers off,” he said. 

“Now is the time for the government to invest the promised tourism funding and deliver a further economic boost across WA.”