The WA Labor Party has promised $5 million a year to the Perth Convention Bureau if it wins next year’s State Election to boost the hospitality and tourism sectors’ ability to create jobs and diversify the economy.
“It’s fantastic for the Perth Convention Bureau but we’ve got to get more funding for the leisure market… it’s bigger than conventions,” Ms Pearson said.
The Claremont resident was part of the City of Perth’s second Perth Tourism Industry Exchange at Perth Arena last Thursday.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“It’s a great initiative,” Ms Pearson said.
“Perth is at the most incredible stage we have had from a tourism leisure point of view.
“We’ve never had a time when there’s been so many new developments… it’s like a beautiful set of ducklings lined up in a row.”
New City of Perth economic development manager Daniel High spoke at the PTIE event, naming the recently opened Elizabeth Quay as the envy of other cities.
“Our vision is to create a safe and vibrant city and we are achieving this through delivery of a number of projects, including revitalizing underused laneways, installing free Wi-Fi for locals and tourists and working with State Government on major projects like Elizabeth Quay, Perth City Link and Riverside,” Mr High said.
Ms Pearson said while most visitors to Elizabeth Quay had been locals, Experience Perth members who operated walking, cycling and kayak tours had reported plenty of interest from visitors.