Over the past five years the South West region's average annual growth rate was 3.1 per cent. 
Tourism Development
The South West Development Commission is working to ensure the tourism sector continues to develop and provide significant benefits to the region.
With more people visiting the South West than any other Western Australian region outside Perth, the tourism industry has a positive impact on the South West's economy. To find out the value of visitor expenditure to the region's economy go to our statistics section.
Additionally, the tourism sector provides excellent employment opportunities for young people, migrants and those seeking casual or part-time work.
SWDC Tourism Advisory Committee
As a result of Tourism Western Australia having closed its South West office, and the recognition of the importance of a vibrant tourism sector for the region's economy, the SWDC has created a tourism subcommittee for the SWDC Board.
It will provide advice on a range of matters in relation to tourism development that have the potential to bring significant benefits to the region.
Expressions of interest were called in December 2010, with the following representatives appointed in March 2011:
| Position | Name |
| Chairperson | Don Punch, SWDC |
| Tourism sector representative | Matt Walker, Geographe Bay Tourism Association |
| Tourism sector representative | John Suckling, Pemberton tourism businesses |
| Tourism sector representative | Simon Ambrose, Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association |
| Tourism sector representative | Robyn Fenech, Tourism consultant |
| Community representative | David Kerr, Dolphin Discovery Centre |
| Community representative | Andrew Horan, Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries |
| Community representative | Doug Green, Bunbury Mail |
| Regional Tourism Association | Sascha Papalia, Australia's South West |
For enquiries please contact the executive officer Mark Exeter or phone 9792 2000.
Find out more about the Commission's Tourism Action Plan.
