Growing Greater Geraldton Tourism Investment Summit
Held Sunday and Monday 27 & 28 May 2018
Around 250 delegates engaged with a panel of high profile tourism industry speakers about Growing Greater Geraldton Tourism at Geraldton's Queens Park Theatre.
The Summit was the first of its kind to be held in Geraldton and was hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton in conjunctions with Tourism Geraldton. It provided an opportunity for industry, policy makers, regulators and funders to share information, understand the opportunities for success and help align on priorities for future industry development. Of note, was the discussion around the sustainable development of Western Australia's hidden gem - the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.
Guest speakers and VIPs were transported to Geraldton for the Summit on the first ever Qantas 737-800 charter from Geraldton to Perth by Broadwater Hotels and Resorts. Flown by Qantas's Chief Pilot WA, passengers enjoyed a bird's eye view of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands at 1500ft.
The Summit kicked off with a Welcome Sundowner at the Broadwater Mariner Resort Geraldton on Sunday evening. Guests were officially welcomed by City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and Tourism Geraldton Chair Scott Cogar.
The following day, Brad Farmer, Australia's Beach Ambassador, facilitated the full day program that saw high profile industry players provide insights and address a range of topics around growing tourism in and around Greater Geraldton.
During the course of the day, delegates engaged in the event by asking questions of the presenters through an interactive app. A summary of the QUESTIONS by Delegates and the ANSWERS provided by the presenters can be found by clicking here.
A copy of the PROGRAM AND PRESENTATIONS can be found below. Simply click on the title to review the presentation.
SESSION 1: Exploring the Future of Tourism in the Midwest
Opening Address - A Message from the Premier of Western Australia
Hon. Darren West MLC
Tourism WA two year action plan and what it means for Greater Geraldton
Derryn Belford - Tourism WA Executive Director Destination
GERALDTON - TAKE A FRESH LOOK
Shane Van Styn - Mayor City of Greater Geraldton
Growing the Tourism Economy
Scott Cogar – Chair Tourism Geraldton - Managing Director Broadwater Hotels & Resorts
SESSION 2: Destination Assets (Natural and Built)
Tourism Opportunities for Geraldton and the Mid West Region: Eco, Geo and Cruise Tourism
Professor Ross Dowling OAM
The appeal of the Pink Lake & the Houtman Abrolhos Islands
Wendy Mann - Managing Director - Geraldton Air Charter
Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park
Kathleen Lowry - Principal Policy Adviser, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
SESSION 3: Investment and Capital - Private and Public Partnerships
Why and how RAC WA Invests - What Geraldton can do to attract investment!
Tony Pickworth - RAC WA Executive General Manager Brand and Tourism
Leveraging Investment Funds - for Tourism Investment
Jason Bunter - COMMBank Regional Manager - Midwest & Wheatbelt
SESSION 4: Destination Building with Available Assets and Capital
Taking it to the Air
Julian Barry - Qantas - Regional Manager WA
Cruising - Carnival Australia's plans for Cruising in Western Australia
Michael Mihajlov - Destination Director - Carnival Australia
The importance of telling the Story
Paul Ma - Paul Ma designs
The day culminated in a Summit Celebration at Harbourview Restaurant Marine Terrace Geraldton.
A special THANK YOU to our PARTNERS:
