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06/10/2024

Western Australia Ready to Welcome the World: A Personal Reflection on the WTTC Global Summit 2024

The 2024 World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit is coming to Perth, Western Australia, marking a significant milestone for the state and the global tourism industry.

With over 800 registered delegates, including leaders from major global companies, this event showcases WA’s rich cultural heritage and economic ambition. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to position Western Australia as a world-class tourism destination, boosting both leisure and business travel to the region.


As someone who has dedicated most of my life to tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit has always represented the pinnacle of our industry.

I can vividly remember my early days as a tourism operator in the 90s, dreaming of attending this prestigious event that always seemed to take place in the Northern Hemisphere. Back then, it felt like a mystical gathering where the brightest minds and biggest decision-makers of global travel and tourism came together to shape the future of the industry.

Attending the WTTC was a symbol that you had truly "made it" in tourism.

Fast forward to 2024, and that once-distant dream is about to become a reality in my own backyard: Perth/Boorloo.

Western Australia is proud to host the WTTC Global Summit for the first time in Australia, from October 8-10 at Crown Perth. More than 800 registered delegates from across the globe, including over 200 Chairpersons, Presidents, and CEOs of major global companies like Emirates, Google, Expedia, and Visa, will gather in our beautiful state to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing global tourism, trade, and travel. This is absolutely next level.

For Western Australia, this is more than just an event – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our state to the world. The summit will shine a spotlight on our economic ambition, tourism investment, and aviation opportunities. With a theme of "Ancient Land: New Perspectives," we’ll proudly demonstrate WA’s rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings, and our position as a desirable holiday and business destination.

This is the first time this event in 45 years has been held in WA and in my humble opinion will change the face of WA tourism over the next 10 years.

The Summit is set to be a dynamic mix of leadership and vision, with global leaders including the 68th U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, headlining the event. Australian environmentalist Robert Irwin, who will share his perspective on sustainable tourism and the role wildlife experiences play in this new era of travel.

By the numbers, the event will attract nearly 840 registered attendees, with more than 1,250 participating online – giving WA global exposure to around 2,000 people. Senior government decision-makers from over 18 countries will be in attendance, alongside over 50 private-sector investors. And with 60 international journalists covering the event, the world will be watching as we present Western Australia on the global stage. Many of these decision makers have never been to Australia!

It’s particularly rewarding to see how this summit will not only boost tourism to WA but also drive business events, strengthen international relations, and provide tangible benefits for our local tourism operators through familiarisation trips and direct bookings.

For a young tourism operator in the 90s, attending WTTC was an unattainable dream. Today, the reality of seeing this global event come to Perth fills me with both pride and excitement. This is WA’s moment, and I’m confident that we are ready and waiting to make the most of it.

Let’s embrace this incredible opportunity to showcase the wonders of our state to the world.

12/08/2024

I’ve just published an article on AI, drawing from over 300 hours of in-depth research into how it will shape the future of tourism and hospitality. If you’ve previously tried AI and found it clunky, or if you think AI is just about ChatGPT (it’s so much more!), or simply don’t know where to begin, I encourage you to take a moment to complete my survey. As a thank you, I’ll send you a detailed white paper, "AI Integration: A Roadmap for Small to Medium-Sized Tourism and Hospitality Businesses," to help you navigate this game-changing technology with confidence

A survey to understand how small and medium tourism business will use AI now and into the future

16/07/2024

Quick article on the benefits of Cruising to the community and local tourism industry.

16/07/2024

I have always been a big fan of the Cruise Industry in WA. It was one of a few sectors that grew consistently in WA between 2013 and 2017, when other leisure sectors were not growing or remained steady. It is a sector that also supports the rest of the tourism industry in many ways.
The Western Australia Government has consistently invested in growing and developing the cruise industry over the last 5 years, with amazing results, even though many thought the industry wouldn't survive or come back from covid.
As its own tourism sector Cruising delivers so much to the wider tourism and hospitality industry along with providing so much to the local ( often regional) community.

Economic Benefits
Some of the benefits which contribute to tourism and the wider community include:-
Increased Visitor Numbers: Cruise ships bring large numbers of tourists to a destination, often in a single day. This influx can significantly boost local tourism numbers.
Spending Power: Cruise passengers often spend money on local goods, services, and attractions, which can stimulate the local economy. I have heard of examples where over $100,000 dollars’ worth of Pearls were purchased in Broome in one day from a cruise ship.
Job Creation: The increased demand for services and products can create jobs in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, transportation, and tour guiding.

Marketing and Exposure
Destination Promotion: Cruises often highlight destinations in their marketing materials, providing free exposure and attracting potential future visitors who might return for a longer stay.
Word of Mouth: Satisfied cruise passengers can become ambassadors for the destination, promoting it through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media.
Infrastructure Development
Investment in Infrastructure: To accommodate cruise ships, destinations often invest in infrastructure improvements such as ports, roads, and tourist facilities. These enhancements can benefit the local community and other visitors as well. Again this was the case over the last few years in Broome WA
Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Cruise tourism can foster partnerships between public authorities and private enterprises, leading to coordinated efforts to improve and market the destination.

Cultural Exchange
Cultural Exposure: Cruise tourism introduces visitors to the local culture, history, and traditions, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. A good recent example of this is the Seabourn Cruise Line and the Kimberley’s Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners coming together.

Local Craft and Cuisine: It provides opportunities for local artisans and food producers to showcase and sell their products to a broader audience.

Benefits to Mainland Accommodation and Other Tourism Operators
Increased Bookings

Pre/Post Cruise Stays: Many cruise passengers book pre- or post-cruise accommodation, increasing occupancy rates in local hotels and resorts.
Extended Stays: Some cruise visitors may choose to extend their stay to explore the destination more thoroughly, leading to additional nights booked at local accommodations.
Tour and Activity Participation
Excursions and Tours: Local tour operators can benefit from organizing shore excursions tailored for cruise passengers. These can include sightseeing tours, adventure activities, and cultural experiences.
Local Transportation: Taxi services, car rentals, and other transportation providers often see increased demand from cruise passengers needing to travel around the destination.

Increased Sales for Local Businesses
Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues can experience a surge in business from cruise visitors looking to enjoy local cuisine and nightlife.
Retail and Souvenirs: Local shops and markets benefit from passengers purchasing souvenirs, gifts, and other retail items.

Cross-Promotion Opportunities
Collaborative Marketing: Mainland accommodations and tourism operators can collaborate with cruise lines for joint marketing efforts, offering packages or discounts to attract cruise passengers to extend their stay.
Destination Packages: Creating attractive packages that combine accommodation, tours, and activities can entice cruise passengers to explore the destination beyond their short port visit.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Managed Visitor Flows: With proper planning, cruise tourism can help manage visitor flows and reduce the impact on overcrowded areas by spreading tourists across different parts of the destination.

Year-Round Tourism: Cruises can help destinations achieve a more balanced year-round tourism economy, as they often operate during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

It is critical therefore that Local Government who have a port get behind the cruise industry for the benefit of local rate payers. Cruising offers numerous benefits to destinations and their mainland accommodation and tourism operators, ranging from economic gains and increased exposure to infrastructure development and cultural exchange. By leveraging these advantages, destinations can enhance their overall tourism appeal and sustainability.
It is so exciting to see the Cruise Exchange back in Perth This week.

Twenty-five cruise industry executives have descended on Perth for Cruise Exchange to discuss the state's cruise tourism sector

16/07/2024

I have always been a big fan of the Cruise Industry in WA. It was one of a few sectors that grew consistently in WA between 2013 and 2017, when other leisure sectors were not growing or remained steady. It is a sector that also supports the rest of the tourism industry in many ways.

The Western Australia Government has consistently invested in growing and developing the cruise industry over the last 7 years, with amazing results, even though many thought the industry wouldn't survive or come back from covid.

Some of the benefits that contribute to tourism and the wider community include the following:

Economic Benefits

Increased Visitor Numbers: Cruise ships bring large numbers of tourists to a destination, often in a single day. This influx can significantly boost local tourism numbers.
Spending Power: Cruise passengers often spend money on local goods, services, and attractions, which can stimulate the local economy. I have heard of examples where over $100000 dollars worth of Pearls were purchased in Broome.
Job Creation: The increased demand for services and products can create jobs in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, transportation, and tour guides.

Marketing and Exposure

Destination Promotion: Cruises often highlight destinations in their marketing materials, providing free exposure and attracting potential future visitors who might return for a longer stay.
Word of Mouth: Satisfied cruise passengers can become ambassadors for the destination, promoting it through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media.
Infrastructure Development
Investment in Infrastructure: To accommodate cruise ships, destinations often invest in infrastructure improvements such as ports, roads, and tourist facilities. These enhancements can benefit the local community and other visitors as well. Again this was the case over the last few years in Broome WA
Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Cruise tourism can foster partnerships between public authorities and private enterprises, leading to coordinated efforts to improve and market the destination.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural Exposure: Cruise tourism introduces visitors to the local culture, history, and traditions, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. A good recent example of this is the Seabourn Cruise Line and the Kimberley’s Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners coming together.

Local Craft and Cuisine: It provides opportunities for local artisans and food producers to showcase and sell their products to a broader audience.

Benefits to Mainland Accommodation and Other Tourism Operators
Increased Bookings

Pre/Post Cruise Stays: Many cruise passengers book pre- or post-cruise accommodation, increasing occupancy rates in local hotels and resorts.

Extended Stays: Some cruise visitors may choose to extend their stay to explore the destination more thoroughly, leading to additional nights booked at local accommodations.
Tour and Activity Participation

Excursions and Tours: Local tour operators can benefit from organizing shore excursions tailored for cruise passengers. These can include sightseeing tours, adventure activities, and cultural experiences.

Local Transportation: Taxi services, car rentals, and other transportation providers often see increased demand from cruise passengers needing to travel around the destination.

Increased Sales for Local Businesses
Dining and Entertainment: Restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues can experience a surge in business from cruise visitors looking to enjoy local cuisine and nightlife.
Retail and Souvenirs: Local shops and markets benefit from passengers purchasing souvenirs, gifts, and other retail items.

Cross-Promotion Opportunities
Collaborative Marketing: Mainland accommodations and tourism operators can collaborate with cruise lines for joint marketing efforts, offering packages or discounts to attract cruise passengers to extend their stay.
Destination Packages: Creating attractive packages that combine accommodation, tours, and activities can entice cruise passengers to explore the destination beyond their short port visit.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Managed Visitor Flows: With proper planning, cruise tourism can help manage visitor flows and reduce the impact on overcrowded areas by spreading tourists across different parts of the destination.

Year-Round Tourism: Cruises can help destinations achieve a more balanced year-round tourism economy, as they often operate during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

Local Governments who have a port must get behind the cruise industry for the benefit of local ratepayers. Cruising offers numerous benefits to destinations and their mainland accommodation and tourism operators, ranging from economic gains and increased exposure to infrastructure development and cultural exchange. By leveraging these advantages, destinations can enhance their overall tourism appeal and sustainability

Very exciting to have WA Cruise Exchange once again in Perth

Twenty-five cruise industry executives have descended on Perth for Cruise Exchange to discuss the state's cruise tourism sector

19/06/2024

08/05/2024

Serving amazing Greek food