Media Releases

Whole of Government Approach Needed to Attractions

13 May 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed today’s announcement by the State Government of a Tourism Case Management Framework to assist proponents of new attractions through the approvals process.

Under the Framework, Tourism WA would work closely with private sector proponents to provide advice and support to ensure their proposals are considered in a timely manner.

Industry Welcomes Tourism Funding Boost

9 May 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed a $19 million marketing boost for the tourism industry in today's State Budget.

Included in the Budget papers is an additional $9 million for international marketing and an additional $10 million for new aviation route development. 

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said investment in international marketing and aviation development would increase visitor expenditure and create jobs in WA. 

Rottnest Island Leads National Icons with $17m Federal Funding Announcement

9 April 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement this morning revealing Rottnest Island as the first project to receive funding through the Tourism Icons Package announced in the recent Federal Budget.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham this morning announced $17.2 million funding towards one of Western Australia’s most popular tourism destinations, Rottnest Island.

Boost Funding Will Win Back International Visitors, But New Attractions Needed

29 March 2019

The latest International Visitor Survey results for the year ending December 2018 show the number of international visitors to WA grew by 2%, while expenditure fell by 1%. By comparison, international visitors to Australia grew 5% and expenditure grew 7%.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the recent $12 million funding boost announced by the State Government would assist in turning around the decline in international tourism.

Attractions to Drive New Tourism Experiences and Jobs

27 March 2019

Approvals for proposed attractions can be streamlined to create new, diverse experiences, which would make Perth an exciting destination with unique activities for everyone, according to the tourism industry peak body.

This morning, Tourism Council WA unveiled 16 proposed new attractions and experiences within Perth which would encourage visitors to stay longer. It is estimated the new attractions would result in an additional $165 million spent by visitors in WA, generating 1,116 full-time equivalent jobs.

Tourism Funding Boost Welcomed by Industry

19 March 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed today’s announcement by Premier Mark McGowan of an additional $12 million to boost WA’s tourism industry.

The funding injection will have an immediate effect of getting bums-on-seats as it is directed into marketing campaigns to commence shortly.

“This additional funding will provide an immediate boost to visitor numbers, tourist dollars and local jobs,” Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.

Another record for WA at National Tourism Awards

1 March 2019

Western Australian tourism businesses have taken home a record number of medals for the State at the 2018 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Launceston tonight. 

The record haul included eight gold medals, two silver medals and six bronze medals, making it the State’s most successful National Awards appearance in the program’s 30-plus year history, beating the previous record set last year.

The Gold Medals were awarded to:

Host Town Selected for 2019 WA Regional Tourism Conference

20 February 2019

Organisers of the WA Tourism Conference are pleased to announce the 2019 event will be held in Karratha on September 16 - 18. 

Following a competitive tender process, the City of Karratha was awarded the event in recognition of its significant commitment to growing the region’s tourism capacity and offering. 

“We’re excited to bring the 2019 WA Regional Tourism Conference to a town with such ambition to grow its tourism industry,” Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.

Tourism Industry Welcomes Expansion of Conservation Estate

20 February 2019

Tourism Council WA has welcomed today’s announcement by the State Government that WA’s conservation estate will be increased by 20 per cent by 2023-24. 

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the announcement would cement WA’s reputation as a high-value nature-based tourism destination.

“Already, Western Australia is renowned for its magnificent natural assets and unique nature-based tourism experiences,” he said.

Tourism Industry Calls for Consistent State-Wide Standard in Accommodation

13 February 2019

Tourism Council WA has called for changes to the short-stay accommodation sector to ensure fair competition across the market and maintain visitor expenditure and tourism jobs across WA.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall today appeared before the Parliamentary Inquiry into Short-Stay Accommodation to represent the views of the tourism industry.

Tourism Council WA research shows that by and large, residential properties on Airbnb do not increase visitation to Western Australia.