“We are encouraged by the figures, but there is still more to be done,” Mr Buckey said. He said air access capacity remained the crucial factor in improving visitor numbers to the state. “We are trying in particular to encourage more discount carriers to come to Perth, and increase the number of direct flights from overseas markets,” Mr Buckey said. The sector would benefit from increased competition on eastern states routes, he said, as well as the impact new discount airline Jetstar would have if it started an east-west service. “The food and wine attractions in regional WA are certainly encouraging a greater number of tourists,” Mr Buckey said. The closure of the Burswood Dome was unlikely to affect tourist numbers, while the new Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, has undoubtedly had an effect, Mr Buckey said. Strategies such as attracting more visitors to conventions should remain a priority for the industry. Westralia Airports recently announced a $25 million upgrade of the international terminal and a $6 million upgrade of the airport’s second runway, to enable it to handle regular operations by wide-bodied aircraft including the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost half of international travellers to WA come for holidays, with 69,199 visitors indicating this as the reason for their journey out of 140,736 in the March quarter. Highlighting a renewed enthu-siasm for the tourism industry, last month the State Government announced that up to 60 priority tourism sites across the state would be fast-tracked for development.
19/07/2005 - 22:00
19/07/2005 - 22:00