Media Statements - New resort a boost for tourism, says Minister

14/10/00

Tourism was estimated to be worth about $148 million to the local Mandurah economy, Tourism Minister Norman Moore said today.

Mr Moore was speaking at the official opening of the Metro Suites Meadow Springs Resort at Mandurah.

He said Mandurah was the third most popular day destination for the Perth market.

In 1998, more than 500,000 Australians visited for more than one day, injecting about $73 million into the economy.

A further $75 million came from 1.6 million day visitors.

“But the challenge now is to extend the length of time people spend here from one day to two or three nights,”

Mr Moore said.

“The quality and design of the Metro Suites Meadow Springs Resort makes a welcome addition to the type of infrastructure needed to encourage people to stay longer.”

The Minister said Mandurah was in an ideal position to continue to tap into the lucrative Asian market.

Each year, between 35,000 and 45,000 Asian tourists came to Perth to play golf.

“Western Australia’s ability to offer quality accommodation means golfers visiting the region will have the opportunity to extend their visit,” Mr Moore said.

“No doubt while they are here, they will sample the region’s other attributes - fine food and natural beauty.

“And by giving them a quality experience, they are more likely to make a return visit.”

Mr Moore said it was pleasing to note that private sector tourism projects worth $13.7 million were currently under construction in the Greater Peel region.

“There is a further $106.5 million in private sector tourism development on the drawing board, including about 781 accommodation units,” he said.

The Minister said Metro Suites Meadow Springs was a first-class resort in a magnificent location.

Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister’s office, 9321 1444