Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation (MAPTO) has been recognised for promoting the Peel Region to potential visitors with a commitment of new funding by the Shires of Serpentine Jarrahdale and Murray.
Announcing the welcome contributions, MAPTO CEO Karen Priest noted the significance of the new commitments.
“We are very excited to confirm the new funding arrangements with Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and Shire of Murray and pleased they are supportive of the work we are doing to promote the entire Peel Region,” Ms Priest said.
“This funding is a strong indication of their commitment and understanding of the economic value of tourism and the benefits that flow into a community.
“This funding will augment the financial contribution we have received from the City of Mandurah, and we have new Memorandums of Understanding with both new Shires as a result of this which formalise the deliverables they will receive from MAPTO.”
The Shire of Murray’s contribution for the financial year has increased to $25,000, while a new contribution from Serpentine Jarrahdale totalled $20,000.
Both destinations will receive even more engagement from MAPTO this year, including tourism educational and networking events, further product development, inclusion in appropriate trade and media tours and increased destination marketing.
Murray Shire CEO Dean Unsworth said Murray’s increased financial support recognised the importance of aligning with MAPTO and neighbouring local governments to better position the Shire and the Peel Region as a desirable destination in which to invest, work, live and visit.
“The partnership offers us the opportunity to broadcast to the rest of the state, country and beyond the qualities that make our Shire great,” he said.
“These include our rural landscape and enviable natural assets where residents and visitors engage in low-cost recreational adventure activities such as walking and mountain biking, as well as boating, equestrian and four-wheel drive adventures,” he said.
Serpentine Jarradale Shire President John Erren said the Shire’s tourism products have been well promoted by MAPTO since its inception.
“We felt it was timely and significant to recognise and further the work they are doing as the Peel Region’s peak tourism marketing body,” he said.
The Tourism Works Atlas, released recently by the Tourism Council of WA, revealed there are more than 1,080 tourism businesses operating in the Peel Region and about 2,560 Peel residents are employed in the tourism industry.
