It took a collaborative bid from the WA Government through Tourism Western Australia and Business Events Perth, supported by Business Events Australia, to win the event for the state, as it looks to boost its share of the global visitor economy.
Travel and tourism’s projected worth for 2024 is US$16 trillion.
With so much at stake, WA’s collaborative effort began in 2021, specifically to raise the profile of the state and the nation as a premium global tourism destination.
At Crown Towers Perth this week are international delegations, prominent travel executives and international media with the potential to deliver significant exposure and potential investment for WA over the four-day event.
There are hopes that hosting the summit will attract inbound trade, secure new aviation routes and develop high-value tourism business opportunities.
And it positions WA’s voice alongside global industry leaders.
Business Events Perth CEO, Gareth Martin, said the WTTC business event was set to attract high-yield attendees, aligning with tourism as a priority sector for Western Australia.
It offers significant value in positioning Western Australia within the global tourism industry, showcasing the region’s growth ambitions and investment opportunities to the international travel and tourism sector.
“As highlighted in the Western Australian Government’s Diversify WA economic development framework, tourism is a key sector in our state’s expanding and diversified economy,” Martin said.
“Hosting this prestigious travel and tourism summit right here in Perth shines a global spotlight on our industry and acts as a catalyst for positioning Western Australia as Australia’s western gateway to the world and driving critical tourism investment into the state.
“With our growing direct international air routes, world-class event venues and unique tourism experiences, Western Australia is ready to lead the future of the tourism industry.
“Our ongoing success in securing major sector-focused business events reinforces that leadership,” Martin said.
Among keynote speakers during the week is former US Secretary of State in the Obama administration, John Kerry, who is set to deliver a 40-minute “fireside chat” titled United We Stand.
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s son, Robert Irwin, is also set to speak at the summit.
“We’re incredibly excited to be hosting this prestigious conference for the first time in Australia, welcoming some of the most influential tourism and business leaders in the world to Western Australia,” WA’s tourism minister, Rita Saffioti, told the opening press conference attended by about 100 media this morning.
“We will be using this event to showcase our significant trade and investment opportunities to key decision makers, to drive long-term sustainable growth for our tourism industry and continue diversifying our economy.
“It’s also a massive opportunity to put WA on the map as a must-visit holiday destination, with delegates set to experience some of our amazing tourism attractions and experiences across the city and in our regions.
“Of course, in the short term, the WTTC Global Summit will deliver an immediate boost to our local economy through visitor spend, which is particularly important given business delegates typically spend up to five times more than the average leisure visitor.”
