The Role of Local Government in Tourism

The Role of Local Government in Tourism

Local Government plays an important role in tourism and the visitor economy. This can include involvement in each the of the pillars of tourism: attractions, activities, amenities, accommodation, and access. 

Through consultation with the Local Government sector, WALGA has heard that tourism is a high priority for economic development activities. In response to this, WALGA has undertaken a research paper on the role of local government in tourism, and developed a revised advocacy position to help support future efforts of Local Government.

This page brings together:

  • WALGA's Research Paper: The Role of Local Government in Tourism
  • WALGA's Tourism Advocacy Position
  • Additional external resources to guide Local Government
teams

The Role of Local Government in Tourism: Research Paper

This paper outlines the opportunities for Local Governments in supporting tourism development within their local economies. It provides some background on the visitor economy, and the roles that Local Government can and does play in the visitor experience.

Read the Paper

WALGA's Tourism Advocacy Position

This advocacy position was informed by consultation with Local Governments across each of the state’s five tourism regions, and progressed through WALGA’s Policy teams, Zone meetings, and State Council.

Read the Advocacy Positions

External Resources

Tourism WA

Tourism WA’s website contains latest news, resources and links to data for each of the tourism regions: 

Tourism WA Website

The Western Australia Visitor Economy Strategy 2033 (WAVES), Tourism WA’s guiding strategy, is available along with links to statistics and further tourism research across the state:

Tourism WA Research & Insights

Regional Tourism Organisations

The five Regional Tourism Organisations represent the South-West, Coral Coast, North-West, Golden Outback, and Perth. Their public-facing websites serve as destination marketing vehicles, but their corporate websites linked below host regional level strategies and tourism plans most relevant to Local Governments, including the Tourism Destination Management Plans.

Tourism Council WA

TCWA is a peak body representing tourism businesses, industries and regions in WA and aims to promote the value of tourism, facilitate sustainable tourism development and advocate industry policy on behalf of its members. TCWA offers the following support:

  • Training, networking and development opportunities for tourism businesses
  • Helps businesses achieve better business practices through accreditation
  • Provides regular industry updates
  • Delivers an annual tourism conference and the WA Tourism Awards 

Visit their website:

Tourism Council WA

Additional sources of information and support

Acknowledgement of Country

WALGA acknowledges the continuing connection of Aboriginal people to Country, culture and community. We embrace the vast Aboriginal cultural diversity throughout Western Australia, including Boorloo (Perth), on the land of the Whadjuk Nyoongar People, where WALGA is located and we acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past and present.

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