Tourism WA board shown the best of Freo

The board and executives from Tourism Western Australia are being shown the best of Freo during a three-day visit organised with assistance from the City of Fremantle.

The visit started yesterday with a presentation from the City of Fremantle to update the board on progress with the City’s Destination Marketing Strategy and the THIS IS FREMANTLE brand, followed by a tour of Fremantle’s new venues and attractions.

The tour on the Fremantle Tram included an inspection of the new Warders Cottages boutique hotel, which is opening next month, and visits to Fremantle Prison, Kings Square, the recently redeveloped Manning Buildings and the National Hotel before heading to the West End to see the Round House and the new Republic of Fremantle gin distillery.

Tonight the board will take the opportunity to experience some of the City’s famous food culture before holding its annual strategy session on Friday. 

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the visit by the Tourism WA board and executive team was a great opportunity to showcase the best of Fremantle.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have Tourism WA visit our city and see first-hand the amazing transformation that’s underway in Fremantle,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“In recent times we’ve had some fantastic new venues open up in Freo and there’s even more to come with things like FOMO in Kings Square and the redevelopment of the old police station and courthouse.

“Tourism is such a vital part of the local economy, so when WA’s borders open up and we can welcome interstate and overseas visitors again it’s really important for the people responsible for marketing our state to be familiar with all the great things Fremantle has to offer.”

Tourism WA Chair Nathan Harding said a visit to Fremantle is a “must do” for anyone visiting Western Australia from interstate or overseas.

“It’s unique blend of history, culture and of course it’s incredible cafe culture help the Perth region stand out from so many other cities around the world. And for Perth people, a trip to Freo really feels like you’re visiting another city,” Mr Harding said.

“Fremantle is undergoing one of the biggest redevelopment’s in its history, so it has been really beneficial for the board to see the transformation first-hand. 

“During our visit we’ll be holding an important board strategy session to set the direction Tourism WA will take over the coming years to support the tourism industry and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. 

“On behalf of Tourism WA, I’d like to thank the City of Fremantle and everyone who has made the visit possible.”

The City of Fremantle established a new Destination Marketing Working Group in May 2018 as part of a revamp of the City's promotional and marketing activities. It’s comprised of local tourism, retail and business experts and chaired by current Tourism WA board member Linda Wayman

Later that year the City released its Destination Marketing Strategic Plan 2018-22, which identified Spirit, Soul and Sea as the values that capture the essence of Freo.

The THIS IS FREMANTLE destination marketing brand and a refreshed visitfremantle.com.au website were launched last year.

To view the City’s Destination Marketing Strategic Plan visit the Destination Marketing  page on the City of Fremantle website.