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
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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.
Advocacy Position 3.9: Tourism
WALGA calls on the State Government to:
- Fund the implementation of the WA Visitor Economy Strategy and the supporting Tourism Destination Management Plans and Regional Tourism Development Strategies, including for:
- maintenance and renewal of Local Government assets and services that underpin a positive visitor experience
- new and existing tourism infrastructure
- improving telecommunications infrastructure
- measures to reduce the cost and improve the scheduling and routes of regional air services
- accredited Visitor Centres.
- Ensure that tourism destinations with significant seasonal influxes of visitors have adequate medical and emergency services and reliable telecommunications.
- Articulate a clear tourism governance framework with defined roles and responsibilities to facilitate coordination and collaboration of tourism activities across the State.
- Adequately consult and consider Local Government when undertaking strategic tourism planning across Western Australia.
- Provide improved access to affordable, timely and granular data that delivers LGA level insights on visitation, spend and event impacts.
External Resources
Tourism WA’s website contains latest news, resources and links to data for each of the tourism regions:
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
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.
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
- Tourism Australia: Official Tourism Australia Corporate Website
- WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC): Home: WAITOC
- Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism (FACET): WA Nature, Culture & Heritage Tourism Network - FACET
- Australian Regional Tourism: Regional Tourism
