Date 06 June 2025 Category Media release Topic Business and investment Fremantle has proven itself as the place to be—whether you’re here for business or exploring as a visitor. Fremantle has proven itself as the place to be—whether you’re here for business or exploring as a visitor. Last week the city played host to more than 350 delegates attending the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference, which included tourism operators and industry leaders in marketing, events, attractions and accommodation. With the support of destination partners, the City of Fremantle attracted the conference to the port city for the first time. Director of City Business, Matt Hammond, led a “Focus on Fremantle” segment in which he discussed local government’s role in driving tourism outcomes via destination marketing, development & activation, as well as the importance of industry partnerships. To complement the conference program, attendees got to learn about Fremantle’s unique character through hands-on experiences like gin distilling, dumpling making, and museum visits. They explored charming Freo – celebrated for its music, culture, and history—hearing tales of daring prisoner escapes, discovering vibrant local street art, and gaining a deeper understanding of its layered past. A highlight was a powerful multi-sensory journey through Aboriginal culture, where participants learned about life before colonisation, traditional bush medicine, and ancient dreamtime stories passed down through generations. Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge acknowledged the efforts of City staff in securing the conference. “The team worked hard to bring this conference to Fremantle. The benefits of hosting this industry conference are numerous. It meant that all the leaders in tourism could experience what we have to offer firsthand. “It’s important that this group of highly influential people receive a refreshed view of what Fremantle has to offer and are going out into the world and selling our destination for us. It’s one of the best types of marketing possible,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said. To top off an inspiring few days, Fremantle was named the 2025 7NEWS Top Tourism Town, pipping runners-up Geraldton and Collie. More than 8,000 people voted in this year’s WA awards, which have been running for 36 years. Fremantle receives an advertising package and will now progress to the national awards being held later this year. “This is such a lovely recognition for the exceptional service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Fremantle Visitor Centre. “It’s also an acknowledgement of the work being done by the Visit Fremantle team, guided by the Destination Marketing Working Group, with the support of individual champions as well as our wonderful business community. “Hosting tourism conferences and investing in visitor infrastructure are just two powerful examples of how a city can successfully position itself as a desirable and welcoming destination,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said. In partnership with Tourism Western Australia, the city recently started refreshing and expanding its wayfinding signage system to enhance visitor experience, improve navigation, and encourage deeper exploration of the city’s unique neighbourhoods. Tourism WA Managing Director Anneke Brown said Tourism WA was proud to support the project. “Fremantle is one of Western Australia’s most iconic destinations, and this enhanced wayfinding system will make it even easier for tourists – including cruise passengers – to explore its unique neighbourhoods, rich history, and vibrant culture. “By making Fremantle more accessible, we’re making sure the visitor experience is as seamless as possible and helping to drive economic benefits for local businesses,” she said. Fremantle is due to host the Australian Cruise Association Conference in September this year and the Australian Tourism Awards next year.
