Federal Trade and Investment Minister Federal, Trade and Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo (left) and MP Ian Goodenough (third on left) with business owners and the City of Joondalup’s Steve Marmion (second from right)
Camera IconFederal Trade and Investment Minister Federal, Trade and Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo (left) and MP Ian Goodenough (third on left) with business owners and the City of Joondalup’s Steve Marmion (second from right) Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Leaders focus on promoting City of Joondalup as tourist destination

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

PROMOTING the City of Joondalup as a tourist destination, boosting revenue and creating local jobs were the focus of discussions in Hillarys on Wednesday.

Federal Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Steven Ciobo joined Moore MHR Ian Goodenough and local tourism operators at the Purple Goat Cafe at Hillarys Boat Harbour to discuss local tourism and investment in WA.

These operators included representatives from Sightseeing Pass Australia, AQWA, Willie Creek Pearls, Quality Resort Sorrento Beach and the City of Joondalup.

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High on the agenda were flights, accommodation, visas and destination marketing campaigns.

There was discussion around the new direct flights between Perth and London and ways to capitalise on eastern states visitors who need to stop over in Perth on their way to Europe, how to capitalise on the growth of cruise ship sector, how to promote Hillarys as the gateway to Rottnest Island and challenges with online travel agents.

“Tourism is one of Australia’s super-growth sectors and employs over 97,000 people here in WA,” Mr Ciobo said.

“WA is a diverse state with many attractions and experiences.

“The Coalition’s support for a growing tourism sector will help these businesses thrive and, in turn, create more jobs for locals.”

Mr Goodenough said he was working with tourism operators to attract more visitors to the region and generate more revenue.

“Issues such as the availability of affordable inbound flights, tourist visas and destination marketing campaigns impact on visitor numbers,” he said.

“We have invested in improving direct access to Perth airport by the upgrades to Tonkin and Reid highways and the ramps at Beach Road to the southern end of the electorate.

“Diversifying our economy is an important long term strategy so we are less reliant on the mining and construction industries as our major sources of income.”

Sightseeing Pass Australia founders Chad and Lisa D’Souza said the meeting was “a great opportunity to meet and discuss partnership opportunities that we have with international markets, highlighting our contribution to tourism in education, events and leisure tourism for the northern suburbs”.

“We’re working closely with the City of Joondalup and their economic development team to support their tourism strategy, showcasing the great tours and attractions in this area,” Mrs D’Souza said.

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