Jobs threatened by broken promise on tourism

Tourism WA has rejected claims 1300 jobs will disappear from the sector following the recent State Budget, which revealed less than half of the Barnett Government’s pre-election commitment of $24 million was allocated for tourism marketing.

Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation chief executive Steven Holle said cuts would put pressure on the industry.

He said the reduced budget for tourism across the State meant Peel tourism would have to work harder and smarter with fewer resources.

“A pre-election promise of $24 million over four years has now been pared back to $9 million over the forward estimates and this still remains as a tangible outcome for tourism,” Mr Holle said.

“I’d like to think that regional businesses in Peel retain a focus on sound business planning and are not exclusively reliant on the State to make all the running.”

Tourism Council of WA chief executive Evan Hall expressed disappointment at what he described as “a devastating blow to the industry”.

“The Government’s broken promise will cost $80 million in lost tourist dollars and 1300 jobs across the State”, he said.

A Tourism WA spokesman dismissed job loss claims and said the tourism industry was alive and well.

Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry destination development officer Paula Johnstone said the Peel region had taken some hard hits, particularly since 2009, but was optimistic about the future.

“Peel will buck the trend because we are still one of the fastest growing regions in the country and because all organisations have made a considerable investment to ensure businesses are supported through tough times,” she said.

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said the cuts would come from Tourism WA’s cash assets and would not affect the department’s delivery of services.