SYDNEY - See Australia has a new partner in the push to boost domestic tourism, with the Best Western group of 250 hotels, motels, apartments and resorts signing on as an accommodation partner.

According to Graham Perry, CEO of See Australia, Best Western Australia’s extensive reach of locations across Australia supports the current ‘See Australia Short Breaks’ campaign, which aims to stimulate growth in domestic tourism and in particular, tourism in regional areas affected by the drought and bushfires.
“We are urging all Australians to get out into regional areas and visit one of the many fantastic tourist destinations of regional Australia to help support our fellow Australians, and to take the opportunity to experience some of Australia’s unique scenery.

“With the support of Best Western, who is also keen to encourage travel to regional areas, we can offer areas affected by drought and bushfires the much-needed economic boost of domestic tourism, which contributes $54 billion to the Australian economy with 58 cents in every domestic tourism dollar currently spent in regional Australia.

“The reality is that regional communities are ready to welcome visitors with open-arms, and in these uncertain times, taking a break in the bush is a great way to connect with the communities of regional Australia, to recharge the batteries, and spend quality time with friends and family,” Perry said.

Rodger L. Powell, CEO of Best Western Australia said, “We were keen to demonstrate our support for See Australia, as they share our goal of encouraging Australians to holiday at home and travel outside the city to visit some of the great regional destinations.
“With the majority of Best Western properties located in regional and rural areas of Australia, we can offer holiday-makers a wide selection of accommodation just about anywhere they may want to stay, and assist them in making the most of their trip with our Great Australian Drive itineraries, special packages and loyalty programs,” said Powell.

Best Western is THE WORLD’S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN® with 250 three to four-and-a-half-star, independently owned and operated hotels, motels, apartments and resorts around Australia, and more than 4,000 properties worldwide.

The See Australia campaign, featuring advertisements starring Ernie Dingo, is working to encourage Australians to boost domestic tourism by changing attitudes and behaviours towards holidays, and is recognised by 80 per cent of all Australians.

See Australia is sponsored by MasterCard International, and partners include AAA Tourism, Accor Asia Pacific, Avis, Britz, Hertz, lastminute.com, Qantas, travel.com.au and Trendwest.

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