Talking Tourism

Gift a WA tourism experience this Christmas

A group of nearly 25 WA tours, attractions and experiences have joined together for a campaign encouraging West Aussies to “Gift a WA Tourism Experience” this Christmas. Coordinated by Busselton Jetty, the campaign is a great example of the industry banding together to support each other and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Promoted through an advertising feature in the Sunday Times last weekend, the gifting campaign features a variety of quality tours and attractions from around the State including Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, Fremantle Prison, Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre and the Bell Tower in Perth city and Busselton Jetty. The #giftawatourismexperience hashtag is being used to support the campaign.

Finalists announced in hospitality awards

The finalists for the 2020 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Hospitality Awards for Excellence have been announced, with an outstanding field of nominees showcasing the strength of WA’s hospitality industry despite a challenging year. AHA WA reported unprecedented interest in this year’s awards, with quality nominations across 41 categories including recognising employees, venues, dining and bars as well as a Tourism Initiative Award. Award winners will be announced at the White Claw Gala Ball on November 16 at Crown Perth. The event, which is supported by Tourism WA, is expected to be one of the largest hospitality industry events for the year. For the full list of award finalists, visit the AHA WA website.

Skål Perth places in Global Club of the Year

Skål International Perth has placed third in the annual Global Club of the Year Awards. Skål International convenes the awards, which recognise clubs that show outstanding activity and work under Skål International values. Skål clubs from around the world voted on the awards, with the announcement made at a virtual International Annual General Assembly meeting. Tourism WA, along with Destination Perth and Guru Productions, sponsored Skål International Perth to develop their video submission for the awards which showcased WA as a holiday destination and Skål Perth’s achievements. Perth young Skål member Beverley Nanchen, was also awarded the Future Leader Award for her outstanding efforts in promoting Young Skål. For more information on Skål Perth including membership details, visit their website.

Throw your support behind WA Small Business Day

West Australian small businesses are encouraged to get behind a campaign to promote WA Small Business Day this Saturday, October 31. The #mysmallpledge campaign asks people to commit to doing their Christmas shopping at local small businesses. WA Small Business Day is supported by the WA Government and run by Small Business Matters, a volunteer advocacy group. There are more than 225,000 small businesses in WA, representing 97 per cent of all businesses in WA. Businesses can get involved by displaying promotional materials that can be downloaded from the Small Business Matters website and engaging with the Small Business Matters Facebook page. Read more in the media statement.

New visitor hub opens at Strawberry Hill

A new guided tour and visitor hub at Western Australia’s oldest farm; Strawberry Hill in Albany, will open this weekend. The visitor hub will improve accessibility to the site and guided tours of the main house and exhibition displays will create a more meaningful tourism experience. New exhibitions have also been added to share the Menang history of the site, known as Barmup, a traditional meeting place for the Menang people. Read more in the media statement.

Canal Rocks upgrade a step closer

Upgrades to the popular Canal Rocks boat ramp and jetty are a step closer with Advanteering Civil Engineers awarded the tender for construction. The Jetty and boat ramp are located at a popular site for divers and tourism operators on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste coast, south of Yallingup. Upgrades will see the existing boat ramp replaced and a new wheelchair accessible jetty built. Works are expected to begin next month. Read more in the media statement.

New Board appointments for Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia has welcomed two new appointments and three reappointments to its Board. Harvey Norman Chief Executive Officer, Katie Page, and co-founder and proprietor of The Landsmith Collection, Alexandra Burt, have both been appointed for three-year terms. Tourism Australia Chair, Bob East, has also been reappointed to the position, while Board member Jeffrey Ellison has been appointed Deputy Chair. Board member Bradley Woods, CEO of the Australian Hotels Association WA (pictured above), has also been reappointed for another term. Read more in the media statement.

$1 million funding for regional events available

Event holders from around the State are encouraged to apply for the 2021-2022 Regional Events Scheme funding round. The Tourism WA program provides funding for smaller and developing WA events. A total of $1 million is available through the scheme, including $150,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES). Event holders can apply for funding for events held between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Applications close at 5pm WST on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. For more information visit Tourism WA’s website.