Western Australian Tourism Conference set to address industry revival

The two-day 2022 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference will commence tomorrow, addressing the recovery of the industry in the post-COVID environment.

Taking place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, the conference provides delegates with opportunities for professional and business development, networking and engagement with industry colleagues, and the chance to hear from industry-leading speakers on critical industry issues and innovative ideas.

It is presented jointly by Tourism Council WA, Visitor Centres WA, Caravan Industry Association WA, FACET, WAITOC and Destination Perth, and is supported by Tourism Western Australia.

While domestic tourism in the state is rebounding, the number of international visitors to the state is still only a third of pre-pandemic levels - with tourism businesses expecting to have to wait two years for a full recovery.

Since the reopening of borders in March, recovery has been slow, with international arrivals sitting at 30 to 35% of pre-pandemic levels, and many tourism businesses left struggling.

Perth International Airport Chief Executive, Kevin Brown recently told the ABC "I suspect there's an element of anxiety with a number of travellers waiting.

"There's a significant investment in actually marketing and stimulating the demand ... strengthening those cargo links, the international education links, the conference links, the tourism links.

"And encouraging people to go and catch up with their families, some of which, including myself, haven't seen our families for best part of three years."

While international travellers have been slow to return, Brown said domestic travel has picked up significantly over the past two to three months, with figures up to around 70% of pre-COVID traffic.

Brown added “that's close to 800,000 passengers a month ... it's got a bit to go as well, but it's certainly taken off a lot more quickly.”

Click here for more information about the Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image shows the Busselton foreshore.