Tourism
The South West Region offers a wide range of both natural attractions and outdoor activities.
It has a coastline with some of the best surfing beaches in the State, magnificent forested areas and established wine regions. The region's mild climate and diverse natural attractions draw more domestic and international visitors than any other part of the State outside Perth.
Tourism has made a valuable contribution to the regional economy and it is expected the sector will continue to grow in importance in terms of income and employment.
In 2008 there were 1.6 million overnight visitors to the South West who contributed $654 million in direct tourism expenditure. The tourism industry has made a positive contribution to the South West Region's employment.
The tourism industry continues to grow strongly as visitors are increasingly attracted to the unique South West lifestyle. Nature based or eco-tourism has emerged as an area of enormous growth potential.
The South West Region's international reputation as a producer of premium wines provides opportunities for growth in wine tourism.
Another emerging market is that of the conference, meetings and seminar industry.
The South West's proximity to Perth, and the provision of high quality accommodation and new conference facilities has opened the way for the entry into this high-yield market.
Other tourism related industry opportunities are likely to include backpackers' facilities, rural/farm tourism, special interest visitors, special event tourists and cultural/heritage visitors.