AUSTRALIA'S GREAT SOUTH WEST EDGE National ... - EarthCheck

WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY OF THE EXPERIENCE…‘Fantastic food, wine & atmosphere withstunning relaxing country views’ (BrookwoodEstate, Margaret Valley Region)‘Tantalise your whole body and taste budshere’ (Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory,Wilyabrup)‘Great view of two oceans meeting together.Fun to climb the lighthouse.’ (Cape LeeuwinLighthouse)‘The Tree Top Walk 400m up was a greatexperience but the guided walk through theTingle Trees was really something. What anamazing thing nature is. Be sure to go.’ (Valleyof the Giants)‘Lots of helpful information on walls andnoticeboards...five stars for the staff. Will usethis again if I get the chance to go back again’(Margaret River Visitor Centre)‘The staff are friendly every time and love thejob they VOULNTEER for! If your after aguaranteed dolphin go to Seaworld, if youwant a true experience go to the dolphindiscovery centre.’ (Dolphin Discovery Centre,Bunbury)‘A true eye opener for a non adventuroustraveller… I felt safe at all times and I hadevery confidence in our tour driver/leader.’(Esperance Eco Discovery Tours, Esperance)‘A B&B to remember, run by a caring couplewho have their guests in mind . Great tucker,comfortable and close to everything by footor car (Accommodation, Albany)Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com“The photos you see are beautiful, but for me,there are other places you go to that are justas beautiful, but are closer”“It’s nice when you get there, but there isnothing to do outside Esperance”“I would like a boardwalk along the coastlineto have a drink or a light meal. I would staylonger, relaxing and enjoying the ocean view”“We had to see this – we’ve heard they havethe best beaches in Australia”Source: Consumer feedback, Esperance VisitorResearch Report, 2009WHAT THE TRAVELTRADE INDUSTRY SAY …“We know the area is stunning and hasnumerous really unique offers but it is not abig enough draw card. ”“International standard accommodation andlack of chain hotels makes it hard to sell. Wehave dealt with ‘mom and pop’ establishmentsand have had issues of them notunderstanding the needs of American clientsand how vouchers from ITOs work etc.”“not competitive with rest of Australia due todistance and also it is not promoted well. ”“… we don’t sell this region, we don’t knowwhat the attractions would be, so I think theyneed to get in and train staff like us …”Source: Travel Trade Industry Surveyundertaken by Parker Travel Collection forAustralia’s Great South West Edge, 2011Great South West Edge Experience Development Strategy Discussion Paper20