Talking Tourism - Qantas 2-for-1 flights on sale, Travel Agent Support Fund applications now open, get involved in Wander out Yonder interstate campaign, Kalbarri Skywalk voted top architecture project, industry events and more

TALKING TOURISM

Issue 697, Thursday March 10, 2022

Kaya

It’s been just seven days since the WA border reopened and we’re already off and running with a huge amount of activity to entice out-of-state visitors back to WA, and re-engage with the eastern states.

We’re thrilled to have partnered with Qantas for the Together once more in WA 2 for 1 flight sale – which I’m excited to share has already sold over 50 per cent! The airfare sale aims to bring more than 8,000 travellers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Perth, and provide a boost to our tourism industry. We also launched paid social and digital advertising last week as part of our Wander out Yonder campaign.

Travel agents can now apply for the WA Travel Agents Support Fund, the last of the three industry support package programs to open. I encourage you to read the eligibility criteria for the three programs and get your application in by March 31 for the WA Tourism Deposit Refund Program and the WA Tourism Support Program, and April 8 for the WA Travel Agents Support Fund.

And finally, with International Women’s Day earlier this week, I wanted to give a shout-out to all the brilliant women working in the tourism industry. From operators, partners, travel agents and everyone in between, there are so many exceptional women in WA tourism that I’m proud to work alongside.

And on that note, I wish you all a happy and safe weekend ahead.

WHAT'S NEW

**Qantas Together once more in WA 2 for 1 flight sale launches**

A special ‘2-for-1’ return airfare sale is encouraging travellers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to fly with a friend to Perth. The Qantas Together once more in WA flight sale launched on Monday (March 7), offering return flights to Perth for $299* per person when booking a return economy flight for two or more passengers. It’s being promoted through Qantas’ email database, social media and website. The special fares are available until March 11, unless sold out prior.

Applications now open for all tourism support package programs

Travel agents can now apply for the $3 million WA Travel Agents Support Fund, the final Industry Support Package program to open. Applications for the $15 million WA Tourism Deposit Refund Program and the $20 million WA Tourism Support Program opened in late February. The programs, announced as part of the State Government’s $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package, will help eligible WA tourism businesses offset some of the financial impact incurred by the delayed border reopening. Find out more on our corporate website.

Get involved in national Wander out Yonder in WA campaign

Tourism WA’s Wander out Yonder in WA campaign launched last week in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The campaign encourages Australians to reconnect with loved ones, and to experience the one-of-a-kind adventures on offer in WA. Compelling tourism experiences will be showcased across high impact outdoor, print, paid social media and digital advertising. For more information and to download the campaign toolkit, visit our corporate website.

Kalbarri worker accommodation a step closer

Additional worker accommodation in Kalbarri is a step closer with the State Government now seeking registrations of interest (ROI) from suitably qualified proponents to acquire Crown land and develop a multi-use accommodation facility in the town. With increased intrastate and interstate tourism, as well as other local demand for workers, there is a need for additional staff accommodation within the town. Unlocking suitable Crown land for the new facility will support local businesses in attracting and retaining staff.

Kalbarri Skywalk named top Australian architecture project

The Kalbarri Skywalk has been voted the top Australian architecture project on the popular national TV program Australia By Design. The attraction was featured in series five of the architecture show on Network 10, with the final episode of the series showcasing the top ten architecture projects across the country. Geraldton-based Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects designed the attraction, which was manufactured in Perth and supported by the State Government. Watch the series five season finale on YouTube.

Sculpture by the Sea wins silver in national street art awards

Cottesloe’s iconic public art event, Sculpture by the Sea, has won silver in the 2021 Australian Street Art Awards. The awards program celebrates the best street art experiences across the nation. Outdoor public art attracts visitors to the area and supports local businesses, adding vibrancy to the area. This year’s Sculpture by the Sea event, which is sponsored by Tourism WA, kicked off last week and runs until March 21.

Free Hygiene Refresher course available

AHA (WA) has launched a COVID-19 Hygiene Refresher Course, providing staff with a refresh on COVID-19 protocols including personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitising requirements. The refresher course also contains updated advice and tips on how to handle customer conflict. It follows the original AHA (WA) Hospitality & Tourism COVID-19 Hygiene Course, supported by Tourism WA. The refresher course if free to any staff who have already completed the original COVID-19 Hygiene Course.

Bar & Barista Job Connect programs on offer

Tourism WA, in partnership with AHA (WA), will be running a number of Bar & Barista Job Connect programs in Perth’s CBD (March 15), Fremantle (March 29) and Joondalup (April 12). The programs aim to attract new workers to the industry, providing them with basic hospitality training before connecting them with local hospitality employers. There are still a few employer places available for the Perth session next Tuesday at RAC Arena, with participants places already oversubscribed! Businesses and Employers interested in registering for one of the programs can do so here.

Dealing with COVID-19 in the workplace: resources for businesses

Resources and guidance for businesses on managing communications in the workplace have been released, as WA transitions to living with COVID-19. The Department of Health’s WA COVID-19 TTIQ Plan includes information on how to notify close contacts in the workplace of a case, and the testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine requirements in different settings. Read more on the Healthy WA website. There are further resources on the WA Government website regarding managing COVID-19 in small and medium businesses.

Perth hills sustainability and tourism strategy consultation

Local businesses are invited to have their say on options to grow local tourism and agriculture through the Pickering Brook and surrounds. The State Government’s Pickering Brook and Surrounds Sustainability and Tourism Strategy was released last week. Tourism WA provided input into the draft report, which explores the future growth of tourism and agriculture in the Pickering Brook area. Read more in the media statement.

Top Tourism Town Awards nominations open

The Top Tourism Town Awards provide an opportunity to showcase your local community and highlight the importance of tourism to your destination. This year there is a new category - the GWN7 Tiny Tourism Town Award, recognising towns with a population below 1,500. Nominations are open now and will close March 24. For the full list of categories and further information on the submission process, visit the TCWA website.

Share your thoughts on South West tourism development

South West tourism operators are encouraged to share their thoughts and help shape the region’s Tourism Destination Management Plan. The Plan is being developed by Tourism WA, in partnership with Australia’s South West, with input from key stakeholders and industry. Share your thoughts in the online survey for the chance to win an experience package valued at $250. The survey closes on March 11. Find out more about the Tourism Destination Management Plans on our corporate website.

Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards individual categories now open

The Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards individual categories are now open, providing an opportunity to recognise those who have displayed individual excellence within the WA tourism industry. Across four separate categories, the Awards recognise individuals that have contributed outstanding commitment and quality to the tourism industry. Nominations are open now and will close March 29. For the full list of categories and further information on the submission process, visit the TCWA website.

Free mentoring program for tourism businesses

Free mentoring sessions are available through the Tourism Boost program to assist tourism businesses at various stages of market readiness. The program is run by Tourism Council Western Australia (TCWA) and is designed to help operators improve how they sell and distribute their products online, with one-on-one mentoring from industry experts. Tourism Boost is supported by Tourism WA. Applications are now open for interested businesses – visit the TCWA website.