Hi everyone,
I am so sorry to be writing this note as my first formal piece of correspondence to you all for 2020, but obviously current circumstances dictate we need to discuss the terrible bushfire disaster affecting much of Australia.
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the bushfires occurring right across our country. The coverage of the fires has been comprehensive, as have the devastating effects to communities as these bushfires continue to impact Australia. This is an awful time for Australia, and specifically for our tourism industry colleagues throughout the country.
Currently, much of Western Australia’s main tourism destinations are unaffected, with tourism businesses around Perth and the regions operating as normal. However, some regional areas have been impacted and travellers are encouraged to seek the most up to date information prior to departure and remain informed about changing conditions on arrival.
Following discussions with Tourism Australia, Tourism WA has decided to temporarily pause some elements of its international marketing program where it makes sense, and where it is respectful, to do so in order to ensure our program is sensitive to the on the ground impacts of the fires.
We have not paused any interstate marketing activities at this time, although we do not have a great deal of trade partnership activity underway in the east coast market right now. We are in the process of preparing a number of initiatives which will be launched at the appropriate time to drive visitation to WA for winter 2020.
We have today spoken directly with our RTO partners and have encouraged them to continue with all intrastate activities to support our WA tourism industry during this difficult time.
Tourism WA will continue to monitor the situation and review our approach over time. In the coming weeks, we will be working with Tourism Australia and the nation’s other state tourism organisations to contribute to an approach to minimise any impact on tourism from the fires and protect and build on Australia’s reputation as an international tourism destination in particular.
The following information is provided for you to assist travellers with up to date information:
Where to find information
Western Australia’s local Visitor Information Centres can provide advice about local conditions and how travellers can best to enjoy their time in Western Australia.
Please see below websites to assist travellers with up to date information:
For travel in Western Australia
Department of Fire & Emergency services - government department that is responsible for fire and emergency services in Western Australia - www.dfes.wa.gov.au and www.emergency.wa.gov.au
If travelling by road, please visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au and click through to road closure information.
For travel in the rest of Australia
The Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology - provides overall weather updates for all parts of Australia, including the latest fire warnings.
Stay up to date with the bush fire situation by tuning in to local ABC Radio, which is the national emergency broadcaster.
Bushfire appeals
Many West Australian’s and visitors are looking for ways to support the communities affected by the ongoing bushfire emergency, donations can be made via the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund
I am sure you will all join me in sending our best wishes to everyone impacted by the bushfires around the country, including our tourism operators, and extending our gratitude to the emergency services staff and volunteers working tirelessly right across Australia to fight these fires.
Brodie Carr
Managing Director
Tourism WA
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