Locals know about Bunbury’s eye-catching street art and the South West’s glittering CinefestOZ film festival – and soon the rest of the world will too.
A group of international journalists from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam, had the opportunity to tour the South West last week.
The visitors were in the region to gather content for upcoming stories being published by their respective newspapers and magazines or broadcast by their radio station as part of a wider visit to Australia.
The South West leg of the tour was organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in partnership with the South West Development Commission’s TradeStart program as part of efforts to increase awareness of the creative industries.
In Vasse, the visiting journalists had breakfast with CinefestOZ representatives, visited the Christian Fletcher Gallery, were briefed about the annual Emergence Creative Festival and attended the Margaret River Gourmet Escape to fully savour some of our regions finest food and beverages.
In Bunbury-Geographe, standout moments included a street art walking tour with local artist Troy Bennell, and a visit to Maker and Co.
SWDC acting chief executive officer Rebecca Ball said the visit provided another opportunity to get the word out about the qualities of the region and the incredible lifestyle we have and which we want to share with visitors from all over the world.
“With the bourgeoning creative industries sector in the region, the South West of Western Australia is emerging as a must-visit for people wanting a creative and cultural hit from their travels,” she said.
“With each year, there are more and more things to see and do to the region, increasing the overall attractiveness of the region to international tourists.
“The journalists who visited will assist in raising the profile of the region to potential visitors.
“We are pleased to have been able to team up with the Australian Government and local businesses to showcase the region.”