Media Releases

Best in Tourism Celebrated at Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards

9 November 2019

The best of Western Australia’s tourism industry was recognised tonight at the 2019 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards Gala Dinner, presented by Tourism Council WA 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 31 categories.

In its 47th year, the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards attracted a record number of entries, representing a diverse range of businesses from across Western Australia.

Events & Students Critical to Visitor Growth

8 October 2019

Western Australia must attract more international students and secure more blockbuster events to ensure continued visitor growth.

The latest results of the International Visitor Survey and National Visitor Survey for the 12 months to June 2019 show an increase in visitors, particularly holidaymakers, from all markets.  

Red tape reform to bolster catch-and-cook tourism

5 October 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed reforms to fishing regulations which will facilitate a growth in catch-and-cook tourism in Western Australia. 

The changes mean holidaymakers can have their recreationally caught fish cooked by a chef in their accommodation’s restaurant or kitchen, which was not previously possible. 

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the small reform was expected to increase visitation to coastal Western Australia by visitors seeking a genuine catch-and-cook experience.

Hero lobster to attract $110m more in tourist spend

2 October 2019

A trial of changes to rock lobster availability for tourism operators is expected to inject $110 million in additional visitor expenditure into the WA economy.

The changes will allow increased boat limits of rock lobster for selected charter operators, and will mean tour operators can store lobsters on vessels to tend to pots prior to tours, guaranteeing a catch-and-cook experience for visitors. 

Finalists Announced in 2019 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards

26 September 2019

The finalists that will contest the prestigious 2019 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards were announced tonight at Optus Stadium. 

In its 47th year, the Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards attracted a record number of entrants, representing a diverse range of businesses from across Western Australia.

Tourism Industry Supports State-wide Regulation of Short Stay Accommodation

26 September 2019

Tourism Council WA welcomes today’s comprehensive report from the Economic and Industry Standing Committee on short-stay accommodation and supports the primary recommendation for a State-wide registration scheme.

Shanghai Direct Flight Trial to Inject $4m

26 September 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed today’s announcement that a trial of direct flights between Shanghai and Perth by China Eastern Airlines has been secured for early 2020. 

The trial of 15 flights begins on January 15, 2020 and coincides with Chinese New Year. Tourism Council WA estimates the trial will inject $4 million into the WA economy through additional visitor expenditure.

WA Should Target 6,000 Tourism Jobs

14 August 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed the news from Tourism Research Australia’s latest State Tourism Satellite Accounts which show WA added around 2,000 tourism jobs in 2017-18.

However, Western Australia had the lowest tourism jobs growth of any State or Territory at 1.8 per cent, far behind the Australian growth of 5.3 per cent, and classified as “below average growth” in the report.

“If WA tourism had grown at the same rate as Australia, 5,700 new jobs would have been created across the State,” Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.

Interstate tourism rebounds off stadium appeal

16 July 2019

The latest National Visitor Survey results for the year ending March 2019 show the number of interstate visitors has increased by 16%. Spending by these visitors has increased by 22% to $1.7 billion over the twelve months to March 2019. 

The growth in interstate tourism is driven by a rebound in leisure visitors attracted to WA by State Government investment in marketing and events, Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.

International holiday visitors soar, but overall visitors decline

18 June 2019

The latest International Visitor Survey results for the year ending March 2019 show the number of holiday makers travelling from overseas has grown by 9.3%. Spending by these holiday makers has increased by 14.8%. 

The State Government’s funding boost has given the tourism industry an immediate boost in confidence as well. The industry is cooperatively investing more alongside Government in attracting holiday makers, which is starting to show results, Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.