Media Releases

Tourism Industry Welcomes Protection of Sustainable Fishing Experiences

3 December 2025

Tourism Council WA has welcomed the State Government’s decision to protect the at-risk demersal scale fish, with marine tourism operators allowed to continue to offer fishing experiences across regional WA, albeit with a reduced catch.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said catch and cook, eco fishing and other marine tours were the smallest, most sustainable and valuable catch of the prized demersal fish such as dhufish.

Tourism Excellence Celebrated at Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards

8 November 2025

The winners and medallists of the prestigious Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards were announced tonight at a gala dinner at Crown Perth.

The industry’s premier awards night showcased the innovation and commitment to business excellence of the State’s leading tourism operators across 26 categories. 

PCEC Cancellation Will Cost WA Billions

6 November 2025

Tourism Council WA has expressed deep disappointment over the State Government's decision to abandon the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) redevelopment, warning it will cost WA $180 million annually in lost economic returns needed to pay for hospitals and health services, the loss of more than 1,100 jobs and over $20 million per annum foregone in State tax revenue.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the decision represented a missed economic opportunity for Western Australia.

Finalists Announced in 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards

17 September 2025

The finalists that will compete for the prestigious 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards for Business Excellence, presented by Tourism Council WA, have been announced. 

Now in its 53rd year, the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards for Business Excellence drew entries from a wide range of businesses from across the State.

Fremantle wins title of Australia’s Top Tourism Town

3 September 2025

Fremantle has won Gold in the Top Tourism Town category of the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards at Parliament House in Canberra today, announced by Federal Trade and Tourism Minister Senator the Hon Don Farrell.

The Top Tourism Town Awards, part of the Australian Tourism Awards series, showcases the value of tourism to towns and communities across Australia, and celebrates the diversity of regional destinations from all over the country. 

Easter Saturday Public Holiday Increases School Holiday Costs

10 August 2025

Western Australian families enjoying school holiday travel and hospitality would face further cost of living pressures if the State Government’s proposed Easter Saturday public holiday was adopted.

Tourism Council WA has made a submission to the WA Public Holiday Review based on a recent survey of WA tourism operators including regional and metropolitan accommodation, event, venue, retail and hospitality businesses.

Extended licences for best practice national park tourism operators

29 May 2025

The State Government will introduce longer licences from 10 years to up to 20 years for tourism operators meeting best practice standards in tourism experiences, sustainability and accessibility information for visitors. 

The longer licences will provide confidence for tour operators to develop and promote sustainable tourism experiences in national parks and reserves. The longer licence terms are offered in conjunction with the State Government’s current trial waiver of annual licence fees. 

Host Town Selected for 2026 WA Tourism Conference

28 May 2025

Organisers of the WA Tourism Conference tonight announced that the 11th iteration of the event will be held in Carnarvon on May 25 to 27, 2026.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the conference partners were looking forward to bringing the 2026 WA Tourism Conference to the Shire of Carnarvon. 

“The 2026 WA Tourism Conference is expected to attract more than 200 delegates from across Western Australia and make a significant economic impact on the local destination,” he said.

Individuals Recognised for Excellence in Tourism

28 May 2025

Six individuals have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the tourism industry at tonight’s Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference dinner in Fremantle.

The FACET Golden Guide Award winner was announced as Monique Boucher from Hidden deTours. In a hotly contested field of entrants, Monique was recognised for her depth of knowledge and experience which translated to an authentic, immersive experience for guests.

Winners Announced in 2025 7News Top Tourism Town Awards

28 May 2025

Fremantle has been named the winner of the 2025 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Award at tonight’s 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference Dinner. 

Also in the Top Tourism Town category, Geraldton won Silver and Collie claimed Bronze, both towns winning the award for a third year in a row. Fremantle will receive a $20,000 airtime package to promote the town on television network 7 Regional WA.