The Tourism Council claims a survey of the sector shows businesses are performing well, despite concerns about tourism numbers.
The Tourism Council claims a survey of the sector shows businesses are performing well, despite concerns about tourism numbers.
Below is the full announcement:
The Tourism Council today announced the results of its first "Health of the Industry Survey".
Ron Buckey, CEO of the Tourism Council of Western Australia made the announcement this evening at a function at Parliament House in the presence of the Premier, Cabinet and all Members of State Parliament.
"The results have been very pleasing and indicate that we are on the right track in the tourism industry," stated Mr Buckey.
78% of respondents to the survey indicated that their business performed either better of much better in 2006 than it did in 2005.
83% expect that their business performance will be better or much better in 2007 than it was in 2006.
81% of respondents to spend capital to improve business in 2007.
"The response from our members has been very encouraging, and reflects the impact of the boom in tourism," said Mr Buckey.
The Council believes that tourism operators should be able to benefit from the boom in the state by adapting their business models to changing market requirements.
"While there will always be a small group of disaffected people on the peripheries of all endeavours espousing negative sentiments, the overwhelming feeling within the tourism industry is positive," said Mr Buckey.
While very positive, the Council warns the industry is facing significant hurdles. "Issues such as the skills/staff shortage and air access are of concern, as is the continuing commitment of the government to market Western Australia as a great tourism destination," said Mr Buckey.
The confidence felt within the industry is reflected in the number of tourism operators intending to invest in their business.
"81% of businesses indicated they will be spending capital to improve their business in 2007," said Mr Buckey. "This reflects a strong commitment to Western Australia and belief in the future economic success within the tourism industry."
Normal Tourism Research carried out by the National and State Authorities is always measuring past performance and is therefore out of date by the time it is released. The TCWA Survey of its Members is a "real-time" snapshot of the industry as reflected by its members TODAY.
TCWA sees this Survey as a major initiative on behalf of the Industry and will regularly survey its members every quarter to provide both Industry and Government with up-to-the-minute reports on the health of the Tourism Industry.