Tourism Western Australia’s 2024 Trade Mission

Showcasing Scenic Helicopter Rides, Pearl Farms, and a Host of Iconic Experiences, Strengthening Malaysia-Australia Trade Relations

Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA) recently concluded its successful 2024 Malaysia Trade Mission, which aimed to bolster partnerships with Malaysian trade partners. As part of the broader 2024 Singapore and Malaysia Trade Mission, key events were held in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang. These events highlighted the growing interest in Western Australian tourism and included business appointments and gala dinners, further strengthening the robust business ties between Malaysia and Western Australia.

Australia is ranked as the second-most preferred travel destination by Malaysians. In November 2023 alone, Malaysian arrivals to Australia surged by 137.3% year-on-year. As of December 2023, there were 175,600 arrivals, with holidaymakers around 80% of this number. Notably, over 70% of these visitors were repeat travellers, demonstrating Malaysians’ strong affinity for Australia and their eagerness to keep coming back to explore more.

Mel Forbes, Executive Director Marketing, Tourism Western Australia, said, “Malaysia is a key market for Western Australia, and we are excited to present experiences that cater to Malaysian travellers’ love for adventure, relaxation, and unique discoveries. Our mission is to provide an exceptional range of experiences that reflect Western Australia’s natural beauty and diverse attractions. From one-of-a-kind outdoor to serene experiences, we aim to craft memorable journeys that resonate with the interests and desires of Malaysian visitors.”

Malaysia saw 24 Western Australian operators participate in this biannual Trade Mission. A total of 236 attendees participated across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh, with close to 2,800 appointments held in Malaysia, highlighting the strong engagement between Malaysian and Western Australian tourism sectors.

The trade mission shone a spotlight on three new marine-based experiences designed to captivate Malaysian travellers. Whether it’s the thrill of scenic helicopter rides, the immersion of interactive marine encounters, or the allure of a hands-on pearl farming adventure, Western Australia’s latest offerings promise to deliver exceptional and memorable experiences.

Three New Marine-Based Experiences Showcased:

Sky bound with Scenic Helicopters in Albany

Embark on an aerial adventure across the picturesque landscapes of the Great Southern region, with Scenic Helicopters taking flight from Albany (Kinjarling) this summer. With more than a decade of success in the Margaret River Region, Scenic Helicopters is now flying high in Albany’s skies. Launching from Albany Town Jetty, visitors can indulge in a 20-minute scenic flight at starting at $245 per adult, taking in stunning views of the coast, rolling countryside, and iconic landmarks such as Vancouver Peninsula, Misery Beach, Albany Wind Farm, the Blowholes, and the Gap. Visitors can also elevate their Great Southern experience with packages that combine a Spa Day at Chimes Spa Retreat, a leisurely lunch at the renowned The Dam, or an immersive Great Southern Winery tour with a Scenic Helicopter ride.

Interactive Marine Experience at the New Marine Discovery Centre at Busselton Jetty

Busselton Jetty in Western Australia’s Margaret River Region recently launched a new family-friendly Marine Discovery Centre. Established in the Railway House Ballaarat Room, the Discovery Centre offers a 30-minute indoor, interactive experience that allows guests to come face-to-face with a lifelike shark, drive a virtual submarine, make their own fish habitat, and more. The Discovery Centre also saves visitors the 1.8-kilometre train journey to the end of the jetty, while allowing them to experience what lies below the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Experience a Pearl Farm at Roebuck Bay

Immerse yourself in the trade of pearling with Journey Beyond and Paspaley who have conjointly launched a new half-day pearling experience in the pearling capital of Broome in Western Australia’s North West. Departing from Gantheaume Point, the experience will dive into the history of pearling in the Kimberley region, and provide guests with the opportunity to view harvested pearls on board the boat at Paspaley’s on-water Pearl Farm in Roebuck Bay. After the tour, guests can also shop in the Paspaley Boutique whilst indulging in pearl meat canapes.

An Exciting Calendar of Events

In addition, the following months are filled with exciting new events for visitors to get an authentic taste of West Australia.
Pair’d, an exquisite four-day extravaganza celebrating wine and food, will be held in Margaret River from 14– 17 November. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of this coastal wine region, Pair’d artfully combines the expected and unexpected pairings unique to West Australia’s South West. Here, the spirit of adventure converges harmoniously with the art of indulgence.
EverNow, West Australia’s homegrown festival, will make its highly anticipated return from the 3– 7 October, coinciding with the Noongar season of Kambarang, across various venues in Perth. This multi-sensory celebration is inspired by the state’s abundant biodiversity and profound Aboriginal heritage.

Time – Rone, an immersive art exhibition evoking a forgotten chapter of Australian history, will grace The Art Gallery of Western Australia in the Centenary Galleries until September. Renowned street artist Rone will showcase his work here for the first time, transforming the space into a multi-sensory installation that excavates meaning from the everyday. Experience the historic Centenary Galleries like never before, as you walk, breathe, and live among remnants of mid-century Australia.

To learn more about dreamy Western Australia, visit https://www.westernaustralia.com/uk/home for more information.

Background

Tourism WA is the WA Government agency responsible for promoting Western Australia as an incredible holiday and events destination. Our role is to inspire more people to visit WA from Australia and around the world.

We do this by marketing the state to the world through innovative campaigns; developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, arts, cultural and business events; working with government and the tourism industry to improve access, accommodation and tourism experiences for our visitors; and by informing and empowering the WA tourism industry through sharing key insights and global trends, building stakeholder relationships and providing leadership to the sector.

For more information visit tourism.wa.gov.au.

-Asianewstoday