Talking Tourism

Exmouth makes top 10 in Wotif.com awards

Exmouth has come eighth in Wotif.com’s 2021 Aussie Town of the Year Awards. The annual awards recognise some of Australia’s best destinations, based on their accommodation quality, affordability and traveller satisfaction. This year, the awards also acknowledged destinations that have met the changing needs of travellers over the past 12 months, by offering increased flexibility, good-value deals and appealing activities and attractions. Exmouth was recognised for its diving experiences on Ningaloo Reef and breathtaking canyons and wildflowers at Cape Range National Park. For more information, read the media release.
 

$40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund to help recovery

WA Aboriginal tourism businesses are encouraged to apply for funding through the recently announced $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund. The Federal Government funding includes up to $12 million in tourism grants to help Aboriginal businesses and organisations develop new products, and purchase systems and equipment. Applications for the first round of the grants close on March 22, 2021. The fund also includes $10 million towards a mentoring program to offer businesses individualised support, and up to $17 million for states and territories to co-invest with the Commonwealth on significant Aboriginal tourism projects. In addition, $1 million will help establish a National Indigenous Tourism Advisory Group to advise on priorities and the implementation of the fund. For more information, visit the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.

Applications open for WA Virtual Roadshow - UK and Europe

We are organising a virtual networking and educational roadshow to connect outbound trade partners from Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom with key WA tourism operators. The roadshow, held from April 19-30, 2021, will enable participants to learn, exchange information and build relationships with key decision makers and front-line agents through virtual events. To apply, download the application form on Tourism WA’s corporate website and email it to trademarkets@westernaustralia.com by March 14, 2021.

Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards return

The Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards return in 2021 to recognise business excellence and innovation. Tourism Council WA (TCWA) will be hosting a live webinar on Monday, March 8, 2021, to provide information on how to enter. Changes have been made to this year’s awards, including a reduced and revised question set for most entries, an extension to the qualifying period and a Judges’ Choice Award. The WA Tourism Awards are sponsored by Tourism WA and are judged by a panel of industry volunteers. Find out more about the awards on TCWA’s website or register your interest to be part of the judging panel by emailing awards@tourismcouncilwa.com.au.

Energy grants for accommodation providers

The Australian Government has announced grants of $10,000 to $25,000 for small and medium hotels, motels and serviced apartments with one to 99 guestrooms to help reduce energy use, improve energy productivity and deliver carbon abatement. Applications for the Hotel Energy Uplift Program can be submitted between February 24 and April 1, 2021, and will be assessed based on eligibility criteria, submission time and date and distribution of funding per jurisdiction. For more information on the program, visit business.gov.au.

World’s biggest dam mural opens in Collie

The world’s biggest dam mural has officially opened in Collie. The 8000sqm mega-mural was painted by internationally-renowned Australian artist Guido van Helten and is inspired by local stories and photographs which reflect the community. The mural is titled 'Reflections' and demonstrates how the waterways are culturally significant to all people, locals and visitors, both in the past and present and symbolises the future of the Collie River Region as a place of natural beauty, recreation and solidarity. As part of the Collie Mural Trail, the project also included 19 other murals that were painted in the town of Collie, bringing the total number of murals to 40.