Tourism industry update postponed

The Tourism WA industry update is being held on Thursday, February 10 from 5pm at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Perth. If you’ve already registered, you won’t need to do so again. However, if you’ve registered and are now no longer able to attend, please contact our partnerships team. Registrations through Eventbrite close COB Monday, February 7. If you have registered for the virtual option, you will receive the link for this on the day. The presentation will begin at 5.30pm.

Tourism WA hosts CNY event in Singapore

Tourism WA hosted a Chinese New Year Dinner in Singapore, to celebrate the occasion with key industry partners. The dinner reinforced our commitment in market. More than 50 guests, including WA’s Trade Commissioner, key distribution partners, airlines, and media, boarded the Royal Albatross for a sunset cruise around Singapore harbour while learning more about WA’s hero tourism products. Singapore remains one of Tourism WA’s key markets, ranking second in visitation and spend.

Waterfall season makes a splash

Tourism WA’s Content Team recently supported local Kununurra videographer, Ben Broady, to capture the start of the Kimberley waterfall season. The activity aimed to drive immediate visitation to Kununurra and build awareness of the region’s otherworldly experiences. Local media coverage was secured on Channel 9 Perth and leveraged across Tourism WA’s social media channels, reaching 407,338 people from more than 115,200 video views. Tourism Australia and Australia’s North West also shared the content to their global audiences. Watch the highlights reel on Instagram.

Great Southern beach crowned Australia’s best

In exciting news for the Great Southern region in Australia’s South West, a little-known beach near Albany was recently named as Tourism Australia’s Best Beach for 2022. Described as ‘picture perfect’, Misery Beach was one of 20 beaches judged by Australian coastal veteran and beach expert, Brad Farmer AM.

Image: Frances Andrijich Photography

Dark skies the limit for WA stargazers

The State Government is ensuring WA's best stargazing spots are preserved and their tourism potential unlocked, with the release of the Dark Sky and Astrotourism Position Statement. The policy sets out to preserve and protect the night sky through limiting light and dust pollution, while signalling support for astrotourism - an emerging niche within the local tourism market. Tourism WA worked with Metrix last year to inform the development and marketing of Dark Sky Tourism in WA. That report can be found here.

Free Agritourism workshop in Esperance

Australia’s Golden Outback, in partnership with Tourism WA, will hold an Agritourism Workshop in Esperance on February 16. Attendees will learn how to develop and promote immersive agritourism experiences through industry and consumer research insights. The workshop is designed for businesses interested in developing or enhancing their current business model using tourism to generate additional income. To secure a spot go to the Eventbrite website.

Proof of vaccination requirements expanded

Proof of vaccination requirements expanded on Monday, January 31, and apply to venues and events across WA for those aged 16 years and over. There is material available to help businesses communicate this change through the WA Government website, including social media tiles and posters. You can also visit the Small Business website for tips on managing these requirements.

Have your say on short-term rental planning policy

Tourism businesses can still provide feedback on the management of short-term rentals. The draft Position Statement: Planning for Tourism and associated guidelines outline proposed changes to how short-term rental accommodation will be run in our State. Feedback can be provided through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website. There is also a second public survey on the proposed registration scheme for short-term rental accommodation.