❓ Hon Rick Mazza questions the Minister for Tourism about declining international visitor numbers and expenditure in WA, linking it to shark attacks and perceived increases in shark populations affecting fishing tourism. The Minister responds that research doesn't support shark attacks as a major deterrent and outlines ongoing promotional efforts.
AnsweredQoN 1127Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
TOURISM —
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
1127. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the
Minister for Tourism:
The latest figures from Tourism
Research Australia's international visitor survey show the number of
international visitors to WA fell by 1.8 per cent, international visitor
expenditure declined by 9.9 per cent and the number of international visitor
nights was down 4.4 per cent in 2017–18. Western Australia was the only
state to experience a decline in international visitor numbers and expenditure.
Given how close we are to the summer period, can the minister advise the
following.
(1) What
research, if any, has been undertaken on the effect shark attack incidents in Western
Australia over the past 15 years have had on deterring visitors to our state?
(2) If yes to
(1), what countermeasures has the minister taken to offset any negative impacts
that shark attacks have had on Western Australia's reputation as a safe
place to visit?
(3) Does the
minister have any research to support anecdotal reports from recreational
fishers, fishing charter operators and tackle stores of increasing shark
numbers in north western waters resulting in increased bite-offs, which is discouraging
fishers from visiting northern coastal towns and affecting businesses in those
locations?
(4) If yes to
(3), what measures is the minister taking to counter any negative impacts that
shark numbers and bite-offs are having on tourist visitors to these towns?
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
1127. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the
Minister for Tourism:
The latest figures from Tourism
Research Australia's international visitor survey show the number of
international visitors to WA fell by 1.8 per cent, international visitor
expenditure declined by 9.9 per cent and the number of international visitor
nights was down 4.4 per cent in 2017–18. Western Australia was the only
state to experience a decline in international visitor numbers and expenditure.
Given how close we are to the summer period, can the minister advise the
following.
(1) What
research, if any, has been undertaken on the effect shark attack incidents in Western
Australia over the past 15 years have had on deterring visitors to our state?
(2) If yes to
(1), what countermeasures has the minister taken to offset any negative impacts
that shark attacks have had on Western Australia's reputation as a safe
place to visit?
(3) Does the
minister have any research to support anecdotal reports from recreational
fishers, fishing charter operators and tackle stores of increasing shark
numbers in north western waters resulting in increased bite-offs, which is discouraging
fishers from visiting northern coastal towns and affecting businesses in those
locations?
(4) If yes to
(3), what measures is the minister taking to counter any negative impacts that
shark numbers and bite-offs are having on tourist visitors to these towns?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice
of the question. The following information has been provided by the Minister
for Tourism.
(1) Research
undertaken by BDA Marketing Planning on behalf of Tourism Western Australia in
2018 shows that only four per cent of potential visitors from key international
markets cite dangerous local wildlife as a barrier to visiting WA. This result
is no different from when the same question was asked three years ago, in 2015.
Other research—coastal precincts research phase 1—undertaken by
Kantar Public on behalf of Tourism Western Australia earlier this year asked
visitors what they knew about Perth's beaches prior to visiting, and
only one in 10 spontaneously mentioned sharks. The natural beauty of WA's
coastline is significantly top of mind. The same research showed the coastal
activities that visitors are most interested in experiencing are watching the
sunset, walking along the beach, and having a snack or meal.
(2) Tourism Western Australia continues to promote the
state's positive attributes in interstate and international markets, such as its natural beauty, regional attractions and the wide variety
of experiences available. Visitors to Western Australia are seeking a wide
range of things to do, and Tourism Western Australia promotes these through its
travel, trade and public relations activity, and through cooperative marketing
with airlines and agents.
(3) No.
(4) Not applicable.
of the question. The following information has been provided by the Minister
for Tourism.
(1) Research
undertaken by BDA Marketing Planning on behalf of Tourism Western Australia in
2018 shows that only four per cent of potential visitors from key international
markets cite dangerous local wildlife as a barrier to visiting WA. This result
is no different from when the same question was asked three years ago, in 2015.
Other research—coastal precincts research phase 1—undertaken by
Kantar Public on behalf of Tourism Western Australia earlier this year asked
visitors what they knew about Perth's beaches prior to visiting, and
only one in 10 spontaneously mentioned sharks. The natural beauty of WA's
coastline is significantly top of mind. The same research showed the coastal
activities that visitors are most interested in experiencing are watching the
sunset, walking along the beach, and having a snack or meal.
(2) Tourism Western Australia continues to promote the
state's positive attributes in interstate and international markets, such as its natural beauty, regional attractions and the wide variety
of experiences available. Visitors to Western Australia are seeking a wide
range of things to do, and Tourism Western Australia promotes these through its
travel, trade and public relations activity, and through cooperative marketing
with airlines and agents.
(3) No.
(4) Not applicable.
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