Great Southern Development Commission and Australia’s South West release 10-year tourism strategy plans

Hopes for the next decade of Great Southern tourism have been unveiled in new strategy documents, detailing what proposed upgrades and goals are in store for the region in the coming years. The Great Southern Regional Tourism Development Strategy and the overarching South West Tourism Destination Management Plan was released last month, the fruit of the partnership between the Great Southern Development Commission and Australia’s South West. Covering 40,000sqm and 11 local government areas — from Fitzgerald National Park in the east, Nornalup in the west and the shires of Woodanilling and Kent to the north — the GSRTDS lists the region’s tourism goals and priorities to be completed by the deadline of 2033. The document lists seven 10-year goals, though notes that many priorities identified are “aspirational and unfunded” and set out to provide a guide rather than a definitive outline. Rejuvenating highly trafficked visitor attractions such as the Valley of the Giants treetop walk and the National Anzac Centre are on the agenda as well as promoting the Great Southern as a mecca for “cohesive, mature and authentic” wine and produce experiences. Aboriginal tourism will be promoted by showcasing local businesses, expanding interpretive signage, expanding dual naming practices and acknowledgments of country. Albany Airport is spotlighted for an upgrade with the plan pointing to expanding aviation networks, services and terminal infrastructure. Berth terminals and landside infrastructure at the Port of Albany will also be expanded to allow for cruise shipping and superyachts. The plan points to improving the range of available accommodation to include more options under the “self-contained, camping, niche and experiential, five-star and luxury hotel resorts” categories, adding to the 192 providers already registered in the region. Also on the agenda is increasing accommodation for tourism workers and along trail networks. The Albany 2026 bicentenary events are to be leveraged and a “signature event” is to be established for the Great Southern. GSDC acting chief executive Jarrad Gardner said both documents would provide a “comprehensive roadmap” for the next decade. “We are excited to support the launch of the Tourism Destination Management Plan, which will serve as a vital tool in guiding tourism investment and development in our region,” he said. “This plan, alongside the Great Southern Regional Tourism Development Strategy, reflects a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and growing our tourism economy by leveraging our natural advantages and vibrant local industries.” In 2023, the Great Southern received 51,000 international visitors, and an average of 687,000 overnight domestic visitors in 2022 and 2023.