Staycation destination: Fremantle launches new travel campaign amidst international travel disruptions
Western Australians are being encouraged to take a closer look at home when deciding on their next holiday destination.
The City of Fremantle has launched Your Next Holiday Is Closer Than You Think, a new travel campaign designed to help people save on holiday costs by embracing local tourism hotspots in Freo for a staycation.
The city held a destination development working group meeting in March to discuss promoting Fremantle as an accessible holiday alternative and not just a day trip.
The group noted a 30 per cent increase in cars parked at train stations and widespread post-Easter cancellations in Fremantle, with 83 per cent of operators affected. This situation is expected to continue as people enter the winter months.
City affairs director Matt Hammond said the destination development program was supporting local businesses to combat this crisis.
“Tourism businesses are a vital part of Fremantle’s economy and character and initiatives like this aim to raise awareness of the great work local businesses are already doing to raise Fremantle’s profile as a destination,” he said.
The campaign will promote the port city as a year-round destination for staycations and local travel, encouraging visitors to experience colorful neighbors, food and coastal culture.
It will remind people to take advantage of Fremantle’s walkability, public transport and cycling access by partnering with local hotels and caravan parks to develop package offers.
The working group attended the April meeting of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce tourism committee to provide updates on key plans, initiatives and projects currently being undertaken by the city.
They highlighted the need for hospitality-focused messaging to address the post-Easter crisis.
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Chrissie Maus said they were working with the city to deliver on the message.
“The chamber brings the voice of business and real-time market insight, the city brings scale and strategic delivery, and together we move faster and with purpose,” he said.
“Our shared focus is simple. Work together on more reasons to come, more reasons to stay and more reasons to spend.”
Ongoing concerns about the cost of living and fuel prices are causing increased reluctance to travel abroad, but Ms Maus said people were prioritizing local travel experiences instead.
“The cost of living isn’t stopping people from wanting experiences, it’s changing how they choose them. Staycations are the perfect fit for the moment. They keep local spending going, supporting local jobs and keeping our city vibrant seven days a week, not just on weekends,” he said.
“We are now building momentum through two major new festivals launching later this year, alongside a coordinated Fremantle Icons campaign that brings our best assets together under one clear and compelling story.”
