The region’s peak tourism marketing body, Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation (MAPTO), is anticipating growth from the Chinese market after increasing their promotional activity recently with a travel trade mission to China.
MAPTO business development manager Anita Kane attended the Tourism Western Australia’s Greater China Travel Mission and met with over 80 Chinese travel agents.
Ms Kane said Chinese visits to WA has grown by 11 per cent over the past 3 years, so the visit was an excellent chance to grow business opportunities with key trade partners in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“MAPTO is already engaged with the Chinese market, using Mandarin marketing collateral and hosting Chinese-speaking trade and travel media with our partners Tourism WA,” she said.
“Mandurah and the Peel Region is the ideal destination for Chinese visitors given beaches and the opportunity to interact with wildlife is what appeals to them most about WA.
“They loved that they could cuddle koalas at Cohunu Koala Park, and were also keen to hear about our blue manna crabs and how to go crabbing for them.”
China is WA’s second largest market for total spend and 6th for visitors with 51,100 arriving in the past year.
Cathay Pacific and China Southern also recently announced initiatives which will extend capacity into WA by about 65,000 seats per annum from Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
“The potential of the Chinese market continues to grow, so we encourage Peel Region businesses to work with Tourism Council WA on the China Ready Accreditation,” Ms Kane said.
“Several local businesses have or are already working towards this accreditation with identifies products and services Chinese visitors can trust.”
Blue Travel director Meng Wong said Chinese-speaking visitors would continue to seek out unique experiences.
“Mandurah and the Peel Region showcases our local Australian lifestyle which is an eye opener to many visiting Chinese,” he said.
