Collie tourism operators are getting excited about the amount of people who are visiting the town and they spoke about the increase in visitors at a Collie’s tourism information Business Connections presentation.
The Keep Visitors Staying and Spending Longer tourism information session held last month was jointly run by the Shire of Collie, Collie Visitor Centre and Collie River Valley Marketing.
Collie River Valley Tourist Park manager Patrick Honeywill said he had seen an increase in patronage and that the challenge was to now turn overnight stays into four-night stays.
He said this could be done by simply pointing out what was available in town and promoting things to do and see in the region.
However, he said the task was made difficult by businesses which did not stay open to accommodate growing tourist numbers, especially if they could not buy a meal after two o’clock in the afternoon.
Collie Visitor Centre manager Lisa Gillespie said the growth in demand was unprecedented and there was a particularly strong demand from young people wanting to know how to get to Black Diamond Lake.
“There’s a constant stream of people coming into the centre seeking directions to Black Diamond,” she said.
Australia’s South West chief executive officer Catrin Allsop said that it was not the case for the entire South West.
“Australia’s South West region is experiencing a slowing in growth,” she said.
The number of interstate visitors to Western Australia increased by 4.8 per cent to 1.42 million visitors in year ending March 2018, according to figures from Toursim WA. Although, still with 18,000 more interstate holiday-makers compared to last year, interstate spending in the state has declined by 9.3 per cent, $1.39 billion.
Overnight spending from WA residents travelling throughout the state has also reduced by 7.1 per cent, $3.74 billion, due to a decline in the business segment.
The number of day trips taken by residents increased by 4.2 per cent, 20.16 million
Mrs Allsop said being a tourist in your own state and region was very important.
”Locals know the best secret spots and are fantastic ambassadors to share these experiences with visiting friends and relatives – often rediscovering their own backyard and learning more about what is on offer. Local ambassadors can then share tips to visitors and businesses, creating an authentic and genuine exchange,” she said.
On October 5 a Tourism Re-Launch event with the Collie Valley River Marketing will be held at the Collie Visitor Centre to celebrate a new tourism website, virtual reality video project and tourism branding to align with Bunbury Geographe.
