FREMANTLE has been nominated as one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities to visit next year, earning the port city major bragging rights.

But a look at previous Aussie recipients of the honour, Hobart (2013) and Adelaide (2014) shows the supposed benefits can be fleeting, if they exist at all.

Tasmania experienced a major surge in both international and interstate visitors in the year Hobart was nominated, rising by 14 per cent from 904,000 to 1.03 million. But the following year that had cooled to a three per cent rise.

And Adelaide didn’t seem to get much out of its inclusion in the travel bible’s “best of” at all. International visitor numbers for SA dropped 1.4 per cent in 2014, despite the national average jumping a healthy eight per cent.

Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt says he’s convinced being a top 10 Lonely Planet city will translate into jobs. “This is a huge boost for Freo and reflects the ongoing transformation of our historic port city into one of the most vibrant and livable cities anywhere in the world.”

WA tourism minister Kim Hames hopes the listing will encourage people across Perth to reconnect with the port city. “New hotels, bars and restaurants have opened across the city, further adding to its appeal to visitors and local,” he says. “When you consider all the city has to offer, it’s no wonder the experts at Lonely Planet think Fremantle should be on everyone’s travel list for 2016.”

But local Labor MP Simone McGurk spits in Dr Hames’ eye, saying Freo achieved a listing despite years of neglect from the Barnett government. “For years the Barnett Liberals have neglected WA’s second city by failing to invest in vital infrastructure and cutting essential services and jobs,” she said.

Lonely Planet describes Freo as a “raffish harbour town” with hipster bars and live music that attracts free spirits from far and wide.

by STEVE GRANT