Tourism WA supports industry impacted by coronavirus

With the tourism industry feeling the impact of the coronavirus, the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA will be injecting $2.85 million into marketing Western Australia to the domestic market. This funding is on the back of the recent $12million invested into marketing in international markets last year, which continues.

Tourism WA Chairman Nathan Harding advises “Tourism WA stands in solidarity with the industry to face any challenges that come our way and we remain poised to act quickly to get the best outcomes for the industry.

“We appreciate the evolving nature of the coronavirus is impacting tourism operators and our thoughts also extend to our Chinese partners at this difficult time. Tourism WA will continue to support the industry and is working with Tourism Australia to take every opportunity to promote Western Australia as a travel destination both domestically and internationally.”

This activity will assist to offset some of the impacts expected to occur as a result of the evolving nature of the coronavirus and developments in travel sanctions announced by the Australian Government that all Chinese travellers will have temporary restrictions imposed and are currently unable to enter Australia.

The Australian Government's travel advice to the whole of mainland China has also been upgraded to ‘Do Not Travel’, as airlines around the world continue to suspend any flights into or out of mainland China.

Tourism WA last week convened a coronavirus Industry Working Group with key stakeholders to discuss the evolving coronavirus issue. This group will continue to meet as required as this situation evolves.

The $2.85 million funding will go into marketing strategies to complement Tourism Australia's ‘Holiday Here this Year’ and ‘Event Here This Year’ campaigns.  Additionally, Tourism WA will continue to be agile in their overseas marketing efforts and turn on and off the promotion of WA in these markets as required.

Tourism WA continues to liaise with the lead agencies in this matter and respond to the ever-changing face of this virus as it impacts tourism operators. 

The Australian Government Department of Health has advised it is very well prepared and is providing the following guidance to Australians about the coronavirus, based on the latest medical advice.

• People who have been in contact with confirmed coronavirus cases must be isolated in their home for 14 days after exposure.

• Returned travellers who have been in China must self-isolate in their home for 14 days after leaving China other than for seeking individual medical care.

• Chinese travellers have had a temporary restriction imposed and are currently unable to travel to Australia at this time.

The Australian Department of Health’s Chief Medical Officer has provided a specific coronavirus update for hotel and tourism operators.

Further information about the coronavirus and how to manage it is available on the Department of Health website.

Useful tips to protect your tourism business in the wake of the bushfires and coronavirus can be found here.

Image of Ningaloo whale shark festival courtesy of Tourism WA