Message from Tourism Council Western Australia

Our survey of members in 2007 indicated that the tourism industry was performing very well in our State.  This was reflected in a record number of entries into the Western Australian Tourism Awards.  This year we anticipate an even stronger field of quality tourism operators.

For the first time this year entrants are required to be Accredited under the National Tourism Accreditation Program operated in Western Australia by the Tourism Council WA.

In 2007, the government of Western Australia announced significant new funding to enhance and extend the Accreditation Program.  Tourism WA has now offered major discounts for Accredited businesses accessing various services.  Our commitment to quality through the Accreditation Program is consistent with the industry’s key strategy of a focus on improving yield, rather than volume.

Now more than ever businesses need to find a competitive edge in a market with huge amounts of information and choice.  Previous winners and medalists in the Western Australian Tourism Awards have indicated that their win has helped to secure this edge.

The Board of Tourism Council WA urges you to enter the 2008 Awards and wishes you every success during these very exciting times for tourism in our State.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Moss
Chief Executive Officer

Message from the Tourism Minister

I am pleased to present you with the opportunity to nominate for the 2008 Western Australian Tourism Awards.

The future of tourism in Western Australia is looking very bright. In fact, it can be argues that tourism in Western Australia is the strongest it has ever been.

Our industry continues to grow, both in terms or visitors and, more importantly, in terms of visitor spend. Total spend in Western Australia topped $5 billion for the first time in 2006-7 and annual growth predications forecast more than a million international visitors will be travelling to Western Australia by 2016.

Advertising campaigns and marketing activities executed in international, interstate and intrastate markets showcase some of the most amazing natural wonders found on the planet. These world-class experiences are supported by some outstanding product – tourism businesses that have been built on a foundation of quality, innovation and hard work.

It is in recognition of these business principles and desire to reward excellence that the Western Australian Tourism Awards was established. The Awards provides industry members with an opportunity to celebrate the ongoing success of tourism in WA and acknowledge the very high standards we continue to set for ourselves. These standards are now the benchmark for members of the tourism industry to strive to achieve.

In order to maintain these standards and meet visitor expectations, it is imperative that all tourism industry members comply with the regulations of the National Tourism Accreditation Program (NTAP), which sets out industry standards and codes of practice across Australia. It is pleasing to see that all tourism businesses who nominate for this year’s Western Australian Tourism Awards need to be NTAP accredited.

I encourage all of you to get involved with the 2008 Western Australian Tourism Awards and I look forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry with you on Saturday 29 November 2008.

Sheila McHale MLA
Minister for Tourism