Bright outlook for tourism

The Peel Tourism committee is hoping for a positive winter after State Government funding enabled it to create new marketing strategies to entice people to the region.

Peel Tourism chairman David Palmer said the committee developed a range of marketing materials that would work globally, locally and internally.

‘‘We have a head start this winter with the launch of our new Peel Tourism website,’’ he said.

‘‘It is a tool to communicate with potential visitors and it is already showing great activity.’’

Mr Palmer said new billboards displaying a vast array of experiences in the region had been placed on freeways and Forrest Highway.

‘‘Our new Peel map will complete the experience once they get to the region,’’ he said.

‘‘All three things working together create a powerful marketing tool and will give us a boost during winter.’’

Ex-chairwoman Tanya Forsyth believes strong ties need to be made with the Perth tourism industry to keep tourists flowing into the region.

‘‘To combat the winter slump the tourism industry has to work towards leveraging off the overflow of Perth and making connections in the Perth market,’’ she said.

A number of things helped the region survive last winter including the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting and the African Mining Group tour which brought a flow of people to the region.

Mrs Forsyth said the Peel tourism industry had to continue to work with operators of hotels, restaurants and regional activities, to add value to what the region had to offer.

‘‘The region has amazing experiences on offer,’’ she said.

‘‘During winter time there is white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, a range of four-wheel driving, hiking and mountain bike tracks.

‘‘On top of adventure activities the region has great caravan parks, camp sites, winery tours, bakeries and restaurants.’’