Q: Can you share any positive news stories that have come out of the region and the rest of Australia during the crisis?
A: We have seen incredible innovation from the Western Australian tourism industry during this challenging time. For example, Busselton Jetty – the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere – started offering virtual underwater observatory tours. Wise Winery in the State’s South West region changed production to include much-needed hand sanitiser, and Whale Watch Western Australia launched virtual tours.
Q: In what ways has Western Australia been keeping in touch with visitors virtually?
A: We have remained active on our social-media channels and our tourism website to encourage people to keep Western Australia at the top of their travel wish lists. Our “Adventure Awaits” social-media campaign showcases the incredible adventures, epic road trips and amazing tour operators who are ready to welcome visitors for a holiday when the time is right.
We also launched the Virtual WA hub on westernaustralia.com, which brings together immersive and interactive content, and showcases WA’s incredible experiences. For example, you can watch a weekly Live Sky Astronomy session with Rick Tonello from the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory; enjoy a live bush walk in Broome with cultural tour guide Johani Mamid from Mabu Buru Tours; or view weekly performances via IsoFringe – the online platform for Perth’s Fringe World arts festival.
In addition, Tourism WA’s UK office launched a virtual Coral Coast familiarization trip for travel agents through Spinning Globe’s VFam platform. Agents can “experience” trekking through the gorges of Kalbarri National Park or snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef, all from their desk, while learning more about the region.