Tourism outlook hangs on return to international travel as Perth market declines

Tourism operators across the region are seeing a slow but steady return to normal operating conditions despite the latest figures confirming that the return of overseas travel is undermining the sector. Margaret River and Busselton is experiencing a decline from the Perth holiday-maker market that sustained tourism during the pandemic, yet with only a slow return from the interstate and overseas market. Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association chief executive Sharna Kearney said school holidays, which ended this week, saw a welcome bump for the region after a quiet winter. “As expected, domestic tourism numbers to the region have declined as West Australians’ propensity to travel outbound continues to grow,” she said. “However, numbers are still above their pre-COVID-19 levels, with nights markedly up.” The Times also previously reported visitor spending was higher than pre-pandemic levels, and Ms Kearney said attractions – such as the caves and lighthouses managed by MRBTA – were starting to see a steady increase in visitation after they suffered a downturn from the disinterested Perth market. The new figures showed the South West claimed $3.3 billion of visitors’ spending during the 2022-23 financial year, as part of a $7.7 billion regional share, up on the previous year. However, business operators told the Times they were underwhelmed by the September school holidays. Ms Kearney said Perth market travel trends from before the pandemic were starting to kick in, which meant “shorter booking lead times and more walk-ins, making it difficult for businesses to predict their forward numbers”. “Off-peak periods have been discernibly quieter over winter compared to the last few years,” Ms Kearney said. “But businesses are generally buoyant about the summer season ahead.” Margaret River Vintage Wine Tours owner Tony Barugh said tour customers were “starting to get back into the rhythm of pre-COVID-19”. “These school holidays seemed to have been a little quieter than previous,” Mr Barugh said. A recent foray overseas showed the veteran tour operator Europe was busy with people catching up on delayed travel. Margaret River was slowly getting more visitors from interstate, especially Victoria and Queensland, he said. “It’s not heaving at the seams, but clicking nicely,” he said. “Venues are saying it’s going, but seeing some quiet times, hopefully summer stays strong as well.” Other tour operators told the Times it was still a mixed bag, with more lay days than some could afford. One operator who asked not to be named said he welcomed the decline in the Perth market. “It is great to see a few more Singaporean travellers coming back and booking wine tours,” he said. “The Asian market is curious about wine and respectful. Some of the Perth bookings are messier than we enjoy in our business.” Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the figures proved investment in tourism and major events was driving WA’s industry to new heights.