Opposition Leader and Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love attended the viewing of the total solar eclipse on the outskirts of Exmouth with Shadow Tourism Minister and Member for North West Central Merome Beard.
Mr Love said the eclipse was astounding and the week-long celebration was a great success, proving local businesses and organisations had worked hard to showcase the region to the world.
“It was an incredible achievement for the town of Exmouth and the broader region, which was put on a national and international stage by this incredible natural phenomenon,” Mr Love said.
“Thousands of visitors travelled from around the globe to see the total solar eclipse in-person and Exmouth was a remarkable host with a spectacular back drop.
Member for North West Central and Shadow Tourism Minister Merome Beard said the entire region was on fine display for the solar eclipse, with local tourism operators welcoming an influx of visitors.
“As one of the premier tourism destinations of the state, it was fantastic for Exmouth to be showcased on the global stage,” Ms Beard said.
“The broader region was also well promoted, with incredible natural wildlife, beaches and in-land landscapes making it an easy sell for eclipse chasers from across the world to make the trip to WA.
“The sheer number of visitors was a testament to the natural wonders on display in regional WA and I commend all tourism providers, volunteers and local shires for the work they did in promoting the region.”
Ms Beard said throughout the region towns had put on events to highlight their natural wonders and was a testament to the dedication of the local communities.
“We are fortunate in the seat of North West Central that we have an amazing and diverse range of landscapes – the electorate stretches from the desert to the sea and it is fantastic for visitors to the region to experience this,” Ms Beard said.
“It is thanks to the hard work from the volunteers, businesses, service providers and local shires that this event has come together and put Exmouth and the region on the world stage.
“I encourage everyone to make the most of their time by exploring the region which is quickly becoming an international destination for Astrotourism.
“From Tom Price, Karijini, Onslow and all the way down through Carnarvon, Shark Bay and Kalbarri, Gascoyne Junction and in-land across the Murchison events have been held in celebration of the Solar Eclipses.”
