Two Year Action Plan for Nature-Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and 2020 Vision Objective Partners
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Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions TWO YEAR ACTION PLAN for Nature Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and 2020 EXTRAORDINARY landscapes, ISLANDS, WILDLIFE and NATIONAL PARKS Cover photo: Peter Nicholas; Above: Jane Hilton. 2 Foreword from the MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT Nature-based tourism is one the fastest growing sectors in the global tourism industry. Blessed with incredible natural assets, Western Australia is an outdoor tourism mecca with huge potential to attract new international and domestic visitors. Snorkelling with humpback whales Progress has been made towards the priority The Action Plan provides for increased off Exmouth, mountain biking in WA’s commitments of the State Government, cooperation between the four DBCA southern forests or “eco glamping” including the creation of national parks entities and identifies common objectives on Rottnest Island – the possibilities at the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands, along for Parks and Wildlife Service, Rottnest are endless. the Fitzroy River and the waters of the Island Authority, Botanic Gardens and Buccaneer Archipelago. The process Parks Authority and the Zoological Parks The State Government has responded to nominate the Burrup Peninsula and Authority as well as partnerships with to this opportunity by creating the surrounds for World Heritage listing has other government agencies including the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation also commenced and could introduce Department of Jobs, Toursim, Science and Attractions (DBCA) that manages a visitors to some incredible Aboriginal and Innovation, and private sector suite of key tourism attractions. cultural experiences. tourism operators. The McGowan Government’s Plan for Our DBCA is improving access and sustainable The new Action Plan has been developed Parks initiative will secure a further five infrastructure in many of WA’s most iconic to help guide the activities of DBCA and million hectares of new national parks, national parks. its partners who help manage WA’s most marine parks and other conservation significant natural areas. reserves over the next five years. New opportunities for dynamic tour activities have been created and the DBCA has developed the Action Plan with The expansion will see the State’s department is exploring innovative input from 12 government agencies and has conservation estate increased by over accommodation options that will enable consulted with over 80 tourism stakeholders 20 per cent and will create new jobs, visitors to experience the State’s most and organisations to refine the document. tourism and recreational opportunities. unique and special landscapes. I look forward to seeing these exciting The plan also identifies visionary approaches The Two Year Action Plan for Nature-Based new nature-based tourism and Aboriginal to work with traditional owners to create, Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and cultural experiences evolve. jointly manage and expand our parks. 2020 is designed to leverage DBCA’s brands Hon Stephen Dawson MLC and attractions as high value tourism Minister for Environment assets while preserving key conservation obligations and principles. 3 WESTERN AUSTRALIA offers STUNNING LANDSCAPES, countless natural EXPERIENCES AND ANCIENT Aboriginal CULTURE Foreword from the MINISTER FOR TOURISM Tourism is a major focus of the Western Australian State Government. It forms a vital part of our plan to provide jobs and small business opportunities for Western Australians while improving our economy, now and into the future. Government, industry and private enterprise Western Australia offers breathtaking are working collegiately on new tourism landscapes, pristine offshore islands and products such as creating new cruise ancient Aboriginal culture. The State’s iconic ship and national park destinations and national parks are extraordinary unspoilt transitioning snorkelling with humpback wonders and three have been recognised whales into a licensed industry to help on the World Heritage List. attract international and domestic visitors. Perth has always had world class beaches This outcome-driven Action Plan will and wineries and has recently undergone help guide government investment and a vibrant transformation giving rise to collaboration across the State’s priority outstanding new hotels, restaurants and nature-based tourism projects. sporting/entertainment venues in the city’s thriving central business district. The publication complements the Two Year Action Plan for Tourism Western Australia We are sitting at the doorstep of Asia 2018 and 2019 and will help create – pristine, extraordinary and vibrant. opportunities for private sector investments There has never been a better time to and partnerships on lands managed develop and promote our State’s natural by DBCA. attractions as key tourism assets. The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA Science and Innovation (JTSI) is the State’s Minister for Tourism lead agency for tourism and economic development. JTSI will play a key role in working with government agencies and private enterprise proponents to facilitate new tourism products. 5 TWO YEAR ACTION PLAN FOR NATURE-BASED TOURISM IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2019 AND 2020 VISION OBJECTIVE PARTNERS Photo: Ronel Shephard Develop and promote our This Action Plan has been developed to State’s natural attractions as key guide the activities of the Department tourism assets. of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and its partners. To make This will be achieved by focusing on six key areas: The Action Plan complements the Two WESTERN Year Action Plan for Tourism Western • Enhancing the State’s natural attractions Australia 2018 and 2019 and will help for visitors AUSTRALIA create opportunities for private sector • Improving access to the State’s investments and partnerships on lands nature-based tourism destinations and waters managed by DBCA. the MUST-VISIT • Aligning key attractions to target The Action Plan aligns with the State tourism audiences Government’s Plan for Our Parks NATURE-BASED • Developing nature-based initiative. accommodation and events DBCA is comprised of the Parks and Wildlife • Promoting Aboriginal culture and TOURISM Service, Biodiversity and Conservation heritage Science, Rottnest Island Authority, Zoological DESTINATION • Embracing digital technologies to Parks Authority and the Botanic Gardens innovate in visitor communications, and Parks Authority. DBCA will work in marketing, sales and education. collaboration with partners to implement in Australia. this plan, including Aboriginal traditional owners, local, State and Commonwealth government agencies, tourism businesses, regional tourism organisations, not-for-profit tourism organisations, Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, Tourism Council of Western Australia, National Trust and the WA Parks Foundation. 6 ACTION PLAN This Action Plan will be monitored to ensure the relevant State Government priorities and commitments in nature-based tourism are delivered. All projects will advance in accordance with relevant legislation and State Government agency management plans. DBCA recognises in developing nature-based tourism and recreation, it is important to consider potential environmental, social and economic impacts to ensure that the unique values of an area are conserved. Further feasibility assessments and detailed planning will be undertaken as required to progress the proposals in this plan. Photo: Kelly Waples 7 We will work with the TOURISM INDUSTRY AND OTHER PARTNERS to improve VISITOR EXPERIENCES in Western Australia Photo: Tourism Western Australia 8 We will assist with the We will continue to planning of new tourism work with partners for experiences in our parks the benefit of parks and and protected areas the community a. The Department of Jobs, Tourism, a. Work with leading tourism bodies to Science and Innovation will work with ensure high quality and sustainable government agencies and private tourism standards across our parks and enterprise proponents to facilitate new protected areas. tourism products. b. Engage with partners to build b. Ensure planning for parks enables appreciation for parks, support innovative new tourism experiences Aboriginal tourism, facilitate and accommodation proposals to be investments and deliver new considered. tourism experiences. c. Help attract government, private c. Reduce red tape and regulatory costs enterprise and industry investment to for accredited tourism businesses that nature-based tourism projects. meet these standards. d. Progress the recommendations of the We will help make nature- Eco and Nature Based Tourism 90 Day based tourism experiences Regulatory Mapping and Reform Project more accessible and to reduce red tape. affordable a. Continue to work with the tourism industry to develop bookable tourism experiences. b. Work towards making park passes and experiences suitable for travel trade distribution. 9 We will IMPROVE access to WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S natural ATTRACTIONS 10 We will make Western We will improve aviation Australia a premier trails access to key nature-based destination tourism destinations a. Establish Collie as the State’s premier a. Facilitate air access to key destinations trail town offering world-class trails in including the Houtman-Abrolhos Islands Wellington National Park and near Collie. and parks in the Kimberley Region. b. Establish Dwellingup as a world-class trails b. Work with private enterprise and local destination by upgrading trails