Media Statements - Wine showroom boost for Margaret River region, says Minister

2/11/00

The new Margaret River Wine Showroom and Tourist Bureau was a first for Western Australia, Tourism Minister Norman Moore said today.

Mr Moore was speaking at the official opening of the centre in Margaret River today.

The $500,000 centre and upgrade was funded jointly through the State Government's Tourism Development Fund, industry bodies and wine operators.

The Minister said the wine showroom was designed to provide information about regional wineries and vineyards and offer a starting point for visitors wanting to travel around the wine country.

"This centre encapsulates everything that is innovative and attractive about the region," he said.

"It provides information on the best ways to explore and benefit from the vast array of wineries and tourist facilities within the region and encourage visitors to extend their time in the area.

"If we market our wine and tourism regions effectively - and of course we believe the correct strategies are being pursued - we expect wine tourism and associated activities will continue to increase to become a major component of development and growth in our wine regions."

Mr Moore said it was expected that about 300,000 visitors would be attracted to the new tourist bureau and wine tourism showroom each year.

"Many visitors from Perth who would not usually visit the tourist bureau will be drawn here because of the new wine showroom," he said.

The centre has 15 displays including an interactive wineries map, regional wine history, video display, wine-making equipment, bottle displays and display space for wineries.

Renovations to the tourism bureau include a new booking space and tourist information displays, member display space, a video projection facility and caves display area. Displays will be changed annually.

Margaret River is the host of the 2001 International Wine Tourism Conference from March 25-28.

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