Media Releases

Tourism Council WA Welcomes Premier as Tourism Minister

12 July 2026

Tourism Council WA has welcomed today’s announcement that Premier Roger Cook will take on the tourism portfolio, signalling the industry as a key economic focus for the WA Government. 

“Tourism is an incredibly valuable industry to the future of Western Australia’s economy, contributing more than $15 billion each year and creating more than 120,000 jobs across the State,” Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said. 

Host Town Selected for 2027 WA Tourism Conference

26 May 2026

Organisers of the WA Tourism Conference tonight announced that the 12th iteration of the event will be held in Albany on May 24 to 26, 2027.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the conference partners were looking forward to bringing the 2027 WA Tourism Conference to the City of Albany. 

“The 2027 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.

Winners Announced in 2026 7News Top Tourism Town Awards

26 May 2026

Kununurra has been named the winner of the 2026 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Award at tonight’s 2026 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference Dinner in Carnarvon. 

Also in the Top Tourism Town category, Geraldton won Silver and Kalgoorlie-Boulder claimed Bronze. Kununurra will receive a $20,000 airtime package to promote the town on television network 7 Regional WA. 

Individuals Recognised for Excellence in Tourism

26 May 2026

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

WA Tourism Conference puts Carnarvon & Gascoyne in the Spotlight

25 May 2026

Tourism industry representatives from across Western Australia convened for a networking event under the stars at Quobba Station tonight as part of the 2026 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference.

Carnarvon Stars in Space Tourism

25 May 2026

WA’s extensive space heritage will be in the spotlight at the 2026 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference taking place in Carnarvon this week. 

Australian astronaut candidate Josh Richards will give a keynote featuring WA’s space heritage and astrotourism to tourism delegates gathered in the Gascoyne as he shares his experience of being one of a 100 candidates shortlisted for the Mars One mission.

Destination marketing cuts will hurt regional WA

7 May 2026

Tourism Council WA has warned a 44 per cent cut to Tourism WA's destination marketing budget has come at the worst time for regional tourism. 

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the two-year $32 million reduction in destination marketing included regional tourism, aviation, and international and interstate marketing that drives visitors to regional WA.

Western Australians encouraged to travel as bookings fall

4 May 2026

A post-Easter survey by Tourism Council WA has revealed forward bookings for May, June and July have fallen 29 per cent across the state's tourism industry.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said while fuel costs had eased slightly, visitor confidence had not returned, with many travellers taking a wait-and-see approach to travel planning.

Mr Hall said since the Easter long weekend and school holidays had passed, forward bookings had slumped further while operations costs continued to increase.

Horizontal Falls Experiences Extended

14 April 2026

Tourism Council WA has congratulated the State Government on extending the world-famous Horizontal Falls experience until at least 2028 and investing $5 million in facilities to enhance experiences. 

Support payments for cyclone-hit tourism businesses

12 April 2026

Tourism Council WA has welcomed today’s announcement by the State Government of the $1.45million Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package, which includes payments for eligible cyclone-affected accredited tourism businesses.

As the peak industry association, Tourism Council WA has been advocating for immediate relief for accredited tourism businesses to be able to retain staff and continue operating until bookings and cash flow recover.