An RDA Wheatbelt desktop review of the Wheatbelt tourism online presence, including accommodation, food, attractions, activities, events and self-drive trips that we started in the last quarter of 2019 has evolved into a priority  COVID-19 recovery project.

The review has indicated that there is a need for definitively promoting the Wheatbelt as a tourism region in its own right. This is particularly relevant to the western and coastal shires that sit across the Destination Perth and Australia’s Golden Outback regional tourism organisations
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An economic analysis of the six Shires of York, Northam, Toodyay, Chittering, Gingin and Dandaragan showed that they contributed 61% of the estimated $245 million regional tourism output and employed 63% of the 15-24 year olds in the region. In addition it was found that 42% of 15-24 year olds in the region were employed in tourism and allied industry sectors compared to 19% in agriculture.

In response to the evaluation and discussions with York Arts and Events Inc about regional arts trails, ”Wander the Wheatbelt”  was formed in early April with the view of establishing a local tourism organisation to manage a single entry portal, initially to the western Wheatbelt, but with the links and access to all the current regional groups and websites within the Wheatbelt. This site is not intended to replace the current local tourist sites but rather to increase traffic to them and to promote regions currently without a local organisation representing them.

This marketing portal concept has been of interest to the York Arts and Events Inc for a long time and RDA Wheatbelt is pleased to partner with them to progress this initiative.  

A short term Project Officer has been contracted to complete the Strategic and Business Plans and to progress the setup of the website, while the logo and branding has been completed. We are preparing a pitch document for local governments and tourism businesses to invite membership into the organisation and website. This document will be ready early September, when we will actively be seeking members to join Wander the Wheatbelt. 

For more information or to register interest in supporting the project, please contact Pippa on (08) 9575 1888 or admin@rdawheatbelt.com.au

 

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Tourism Tips from the recent TourismWA workshop

 

WA Tourism Our Story: read more about The Spirit of Adventure and how to adapt it to your business. 
Promoting your news and updates: Send it to media@westernaustralia.com
What hashtags should I use? Save these to the notes section of your smartphone. Potential visitors search hashtags to plan itineraries, so these are a vital part of your social media activity.

WesternAustralia.com listing: all tourism operators in WA can be listed for free. Contact ATDW@westernaustralia.com 

Sign up to Talking Tourism: Tourism WA’s weekly e-News includes industry updates around marketing activity, research insights and opportunities.

Destination Perth is currently offering FREE membership as the industry recovers from the pandemic contact tourism@experienceperth.com. 

Photo credit: Karen Strange