Foreword by Kate Lamont
Chairman
Tourism Western Australia
The Board of Commissioners of Tourism Western Australia has overseen the development of this Discussion Paper on the future of our tourism industry. Its purpose is to promote public discussion about a sector of our economy that is hard to define – until the visitors stop coming.
Tourism is an essential industry in WA, which generated in the 2006 -07 financial year nearly $6 billion and employed six per cent of the State’s workforce. Employees in tourism range from high school students in their first jobs learning the values of good customer service and a strong work ethic, to a tertiary-qualified professional setting the strategic direction of international tourism and travel standards.
Tourism strengthens rural and regional economies, provides vital entry-level jobs for young people, creates career opportunities and is becoming more important in providing real and unique business opportunities for Aboriginal people and their communities.
In the last 20 years, the tourism industry and its associated infrastructure has grown substantially in Western Australia. Now it’s time to cast our gaze ahead and follow the path to the year 2020 and beyond.
We want the Western Australian community to join in a conversation with us on how we should share our home with visitors in the future. We need to answer questions such as: How many tourists do we really want? How will we preserve our natural environment to future-proof our industry? What processes do we need to put in place to ensure that our visitors have a truly memorable experience, for all the right reasons?
It’s also essential that we consider the amenities and facilities we want for our own families too, so that they can continue enjoying the great traditional Aussie holiday. What do we need to do from now on to ensure our future generations have precious memories of wonderful holidays in their own State?
While this Discussion Paper provides a foundation for dialogue, it’s up to you to take advantage of the opportunity to have your say and help us build the future of this essential industry.
Merging your ideas and opinions with ours, we will then produce a final strategy for the future that will guide us in planning for the years to come.
I eagerly encourage you to join this valuable discussion. Your contribution will be most welcome.
Kate Lamont
CHAIRMAN
