CCIWA has welcomed today’s State Government announcement of a $185 million “reconnect WA” package to re-engage WA with the international market for workers, tourists and students.
CEO Chris Rodwell said CCIWA has been consistently calling for the Government to prioritise the rebuilding of these markets after prolonged disruption, leveraging our stable economy and success in safely managing COVID-19.
“This package is the booster our economy needs, especially for industries that have found the going particularly tough through this pandemic,” Rodwell said.
A $65m aviation fund is a key feature of the strategy, which will go towards re-establishing international and interstate flight routes that were disrupted by the pandemic, as well as targeting new routes including Germany, India, China and Vietnam.
New funding for intrastate flights will ensure tourists can explore outside Perth.
The fund includes $25m from the existing Aviation Recovery Fund and $10m for intrastate aviation to ensure tourists travelling to WA can explore beyond Perth and its immediate surrounds. Perth Airport will also make a funding contribution to secure more flights.
The Government will also invest in a new targeted $65m marketing campaign to promote WA as safe and full of opportunity for tourists, skilled workers and international students.
“The re-establishment of tourism flight routes and funds to attract and incentivise tourists, international students and skilled workers will play a role in rebuilding these important markets for our State,” Rodwell said.
“We also welcome the extra funding to attract business events. This is a lucrative market where we need to expand our efforts, noting there is often a flow-on impact to business investment as it provides an opportunity to showcase our State.”
An important component will be setting a date to re-open our borders, in line with the Government’s transition plan. Many international travellers will delay or make other plans in the absence of a clear date.
CCIWA also supports an increase in Western Australia’s overseas trade presence, as outlined in our Pre-Budget Submission.
Read more: Going global — are you export ready?
There would also be significant benefits from implementing an international deal book, marketing the many opportunities for overseas investors to invest in the WA economy.
CCIWA’s International Trade and Investment Centre (ITIC) is here to help businesses reduce the time, cost and risk of going global. Contact the team for a free consultation on (08) 9365 7620 or via [email protected].
