Talking Tourism - $185m Reconnect WA package unveiled, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 fixtures released, striking new additions to image library, top award for local travel writer, industry events and more.
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TALKING TOURISM
Issue 686, Thursday, December 2, 2021
Kaya
There was an exciting announcement from the Premier yesterday, which included new funding for WA tourism initiatives to safely re-engage with the world once the WA Transition Plan is rolled out. More details are included in the story below.
Our regional roadshow workshops are coming to an end next week, with the final event to be held in Exmouth. The survey is still live, so if you would like to contribute, please do so.
It was wonderful to celebrate our Give the Gift of Travel campaign on the Art Gallery of WA rooftop this week. We are proud to support our tourism operators through this campaign, encouraging people to gift a WA adventure for Christmas.
I also had the pleasure of attending the opening of the new Holiday Inn West Perth earlier this week - Perth’s newest accommodation offering. The former Sage Hotel has done a great job of refurbishing its 101 guestrooms and lobby, adding another fantastic option for a city staycation.
Finally, thank you everyone who took the time to let us know how much you love the new-look Talking Tourism. We’re glad you love it as much as we do.
WHAT'S NEW
$185m Reconnect WA package unveiled
The State Government has unveiled a new $185 million Reconnect WA package which will deliver huge benefits for Western Australian tourism as we re-engage with the interstate and international market as the WA Transition Plan is rolled out. The package includes $9 million to attract blockbuster events; $80 million towards destination marketing; $65 million towards aviation recovery; $15 million to attract business events; and additional support to boost the State’s overseas presence.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 fixtures released
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 fixtures were released this morning, with Perth hosting five group-stage matches and nine competing nations as part of the landmark sporting event. The Perth matches, being held at Perth’s Rectangular Stadium, will kick off on July 22 and end on August 3. For more information, including the full match schedule, visit the FIFA website.
COVID-19 border update
Based on the latest health advice, South Australia has transitioned from 'very low risk' to 'low risk' border controls under Western Australia's controlled border. The elevated risk level follows the detection of the new Omicron variant in a number of countries around the world. Victoria remains at 'extreme risk', New South Wales at 'high risk' and the Australian Capital Territory at 'medium risk'. For more information, visit www.wa.gov.au.
Industry engagement workshops
Albany was the second-last event in the ‘Shaping the Future of Tourism’ industry consultation events, which wind up in Exmouth next week. For people unable to attend the workshops, visit our website to provide feedback via our survey. Survey and consultation event feedback will help to inform the WA Government’s State tourism strategy, including the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Striking new images available
Tourism WA has recently updated its image library, with 1,282 new photos now available to download of the Broome, Kununurra, Perth and Margaret River regions. To view and download these free images, log in to the image library first, then click on this link. If you’re not already registered, please do so by clicking here.
Media invited to Give the Gift of Travel
Tourism WA hosted a Gift of Travel Sunset Soiree this week on the rooftop of the Art Gallery of WA. Media and influencers were invited to select an envelope and unwrap a WA adventure, sharing the campaign message to a potential audience of more than 1.3 million people.
Perth travel writer takes out prestigious award
A special congratulations from all of us at Tourism WA to Perth-based writer Carolyn Beasley for winning this year’s Best Sustainable Tourism Story at the recent Australian Society of Travel Writers Awards for Excellence. Carolyn won the award for her story on station stays and how these provide an authentic outback experience, while drawing attention to conservation and sustainability of pastoral lands across the state. It’s the third time Carolyn has won this award.
Inaugural Banksia Award for Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Australia has partnered with the Banksia Foundation Awards to support the inaugural Sustainable Tourism Banksia Award. The award recognises outstanding achievements by tourism businesses in championing the protection, conservation and regeneration of the environment they operate in and/or the protection of the natural environment across Australia. Deadlines for all submissions are December 15. For more information, visit the Banksia Awards Foundation website.
Collie Futures Small Grants Program
Grants of up to $100,000 are available through Collie Futures Small Grant Program for businesses and not-for-profit organisations seeking to drive economic impact and create job opportunities in the Collie region. The first round of the program supported a number of tourism initiatives and organisations, including the Collie River Trail Stay, Donnybrook Regional Tourism Association and Collie River Valley Marketing. For more information, visit the South West Development Commission website.
Meet job-ready hospitality workers
Tourism WA’s series of Hospitality Job Connect programs are delivered in partnership with local TAFEs. The Employer-Participant Meet-up component of the program will be held in Mandurah/Peel (Friday, December 10).The program will upskill job seekers and link them with potential job opportunities. A Barista Job Connect will be held in Margaret River (Friday, December 10). Employers can register for a morning tea via the links above or email for more information.
Commonwealth Government’s Digital Solutions program
Small Businesses are eligible for up to seven hours of business assistance and professional development for only $44 through the Commonwealth Government’s Digital Solutions program. The program pairs participants with a dedicated business mentor and provides access to one-to-one advice, as well as workshops and webinars on topics including social media and marketing, and book-keeping and business planning. For more information, visit the Business Station website.
Talking Tourism takes a break
Talking Tourism will be taking a break over Christmas and the New Year. Our last edition for 2021 will be issued on December 16 and we’ll be back in action on January 13, 2022. Don’t forget you can check out past issues of Talking Tourism on our corporate website.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
For more on the latest industry events below, visit our corporate website.
December 10 - Registrations close tomorrow for Xmas Tipple
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