WA locals show interest in getting to know their state
Western Australia (WA) has noticed an increasingly positive development in domestic tourism over the last few months with recent statistics from Tourism Research Australia recording a 25% increase in WA residents taking day trips compared 2014, with a 10% increase in overnight trips. 2015 up to September saw the total visitor spend in WA reach $8.9 billion, up from $8.1 billion the previous year.
The increase can attributed to a number of factors, including Rottnest Island's surge in popularity and the State government investment in metropolitan and regional amenities, infrastructure and events.
Rottnest Island saw its highest visitor numbers on record between July and December 2015, which is thought to be in part attributed to the rise of the Quokka Selfie. This quirky trend is demonstrative of the market power of social media, and has even seen participation by celebrities, like Hugh Jackman. Rottnest Island was also highlighted in Lonely Planet's top 10 world destinations for 2015.
The infrastructural developments have made it increasingly easier and more attractive for visitors, both domestic and international, to enjoy WA's many attractions, driving tourism and bringing new prosperity to the once mining focused state.
In addition, the influential travel publication Condé Nast has named Perth as the nation’s “rising star” after naming Australia as its Destination of the Year for 2016, encouraging visitors not to ignore Western Australia.
Tourism WA will be launching a new tourism campaign in 2016, targeting key domestic and international markets. The campaign will encourage visitation to Rottnest Island during the off-peak season, and will highlight the State as a unique wedding or honeymoon destination. Given the trending successes of 2015, WA is bound to see continued popularity throughout 2016.
(Image: Hugh Jackman via Instagram)