❓ The Minister for Tourism provides figures on international visitors to WA, highlighting growth in expenditure and visitor numbers exceeding the national average, despite a gas plant explosion. The minister expresses confidence in WA's tourism reputation.
AnsweredQoN 303Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TOURISM — INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Can the minister please inform the house of the latest figures on international visitors to Western Australia and how we are performing compared with the national average? Ms S.M. McHALE
Can the minister please inform the house of the latest figures on international visitors to Western Australia and how we are performing compared with the national average? Ms S.M. McHALE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for her question. Before I answer the question, I will provide an update to the house on the management of the impact of the Apache Energy gas plant explosion on the tourism industry. I can report that Prime Laundry and Drycleaning, a major laundry provider, is continuing to receive gas and process laundry, and the outlook for the Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 is very positive indeed. However, I think it is important that we maintain our perspective on what is happening in the Western Australian tourism industry notwithstanding this current very difficult crisis. I will inform the house of the latest international tourism figures for the year ended March 2008, which show record high spending and spectacular growth in international visitor expenditure over the past year. International visitors spent a record high of $1.6 billion in the state. International visitor expenditure is up by 17.1 per cent — Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Before I answer the question, I will provide an update to the house on the management of the impact of the Apache Energy gas plant explosion on the tourism industry. I can report that Prime Laundry and Drycleaning, a major laundry provider, is continuing to receive gas and process laundry, and the outlook for the Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 is very positive indeed. However, I think it is important that we maintain our perspective on what is happening in the Western Australian tourism industry notwithstanding this current very difficult crisis. I will inform the house of the latest international tourism figures for the year ended March 2008, which show record high spending and spectacular growth in international visitor expenditure over the past year. International visitors spent a record high of $1.6 billion in the state. International visitor expenditure is up by 17.1 per cent — Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
I thank the member for her question. Before I answer the question, I will provide an update to the house on the management of the impact of the Apache Energy gas plant explosion on the tourism industry. I can report that Prime Laundry and Drycleaning, a major laundry provider, is continuing to receive gas and process laundry, and the outlook for the Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 is very positive indeed. However, I think it is important that we maintain our perspective on what is happening in the Western Australian tourism industry notwithstanding this current very difficult crisis. I will inform the house of the latest international tourism figures for the year ended March 2008, which show record high spending and spectacular growth in international visitor expenditure over the past year. International visitors spent a record high of $1.6 billion in the state. International visitor expenditure is up by 17.1 per cent — Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
I will inform the house of the latest international tourism figures for the year ended March 2008, which show record high spending and spectacular growth in international visitor expenditure over the past year. International visitors spent a record high of $1.6 billion in the state. International visitor expenditure is up by 17.1 per cent — Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for her question. Before I answer the question, I will provide an update to the house on the management of the impact of the Apache Energy gas plant explosion on the tourism industry. I can report that Prime Laundry and Drycleaning, a major laundry provider, is continuing to receive gas and process laundry, and the outlook for the Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 is very positive indeed. However, I think it is important that we maintain our perspective on what is happening in the Western Australian tourism industry notwithstanding this current very difficult crisis. I will inform the house of the latest international tourism figures for the year ended March 2008, which show record high spending and spectacular growth in international visitor expenditure over the past year. International visitors spent a record high of $1.6 billion in the state. International visitor expenditure is up by 17.1 per cent — Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
I thank the member for her question. Before I answer the question, I will provide an update to the house on the management of the impact of the Apache Energy gas plant explosion on the tourism industry. I can report that Prime Laundry and Drycleaning, a major laundry provider, is continuing to receive gas and process laundry, and the outlook for the Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 is very positive indeed. However, I think it is important that we maintain our perspective on what is happening in the Western Australian tourism industry notwithstanding this current very difficult crisis. I will inform the house of the latest international tourism figures for the year ended March 2008, which show record high spending and spectacular growth in international visitor expenditure over the past year. International visitors spent a record high of $1.6 billion in the state. International visitor expenditure is up by 17.1 per cent — Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
I will inform the house of the latest international tourism figures for the year ended March 2008, which show record high spending and spectacular growth in international visitor expenditure over the past year. International visitors spent a record high of $1.6 billion in the state. International visitor expenditure is up by 17.1 per cent — Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
Mr T. Buswell : Is that leisure or business? Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
Ms S.M. McHALE : — outperforming the national average of 5.8 per cent; that is, Western Australia had a 17 per cent growth in international visitor expenditure compared with the national average growth of 5.8 per cent. International visitor numbers and visitor nights are the highest on record, with growth again outstripping the national average. Western Australia was the only state to record positive growth in visitor numbers over the past 12 months. More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
More specifically, and I think it is important to put this on the record, seven out of the top 10 tourism markets—this is now in response to the interjection—have shown growth in visitor spend that is well above the national average. These include the United Kingdom; Singapore, with a 37 per cent increase; USA; Japan, which is contrary to its spend in the rest of the nation; Germany; Ireland; and China, which had a 50 per cent growth in visitor numbers. These results are great news for Western Australia. They highlight not only that Western Australia continues to attract international visitors at a faster rate than the rest of our nation, but also that these visitors are staying longer and, importantly for business, spending more than ever before. I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
I need to exercise caution in relation to the interstate and intrastate visitor figures because, although we have seen progress in the number of nights, the number of visitors is down. Interestingly, intrastate visitor spending is up. Accordingly, we are looking at our intrastate and international visitor marketing strategy. Overall, the total spend by international and domestic visitors has reached an all-time high. Notwithstanding the serious gas incident, the impact of which we will be monitoring on a daily and weekly basis, I am still confident that our tourism reputation internationally is incredibly strong, as recognised by the figures I have quoted. The Australian Tourism Exchange 2008 will further enhance Western Australia’s reputation.
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