New seasonal flights reconnect Perth and China 
WA has reconnected with mainland China through the seasonal return of China Southern Airlines' nonstop flights from Guangzhou to Perth. The service, secured by Tourism WA, will operate three times per week until March 2026, with a seasonal uplift to four times per week from 14 December. During the peak holiday period, the service is estimated to provide more than 1,100 additional inbound seats to WA each week. Find out more here.

New flights strengthen WA’s global aviation links
WA’s tourism sector has been boosted by additional flights from key markets across Asia into Perth. Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, and All Nippon Airways have increased service frequencies on key routes, while the launch of a new direct flight connecting Manila to Perth will be operated by Jetstar. The expansions and new service are expected to bring tens of thousands of additional inbound seats into WA each year, supporting the WA Government's economic diversification strategy by boosting the state’s tourism sector. Find out more here.

Australia to take on New Zealand, Chile, Hong Kong China and more in Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 
Excitement for the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 is building, with the official draw revealing which nations will face off in each pool. As hosts, Australia sits in pool A and will take on nations including New Zealand, Chile, and Hong Kong China—one of which will compete in the highly anticipated opening match featuring the Wallabies in Perth. Supported by Tourism WA, Perth will host seven matches in total, including the opening match, four additional pool matches, and two round of 16 clashes. Held every four years, the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 ranks as the third largest sporting event in the world behind only the Summer Olympics and the Men's FIFA World Cup. Find out more here. 

Ord Valley Muster program announced
The Ord Valley Muster has released its 2026 program, delivering 10 days of music, art, culture, and adventure in WA’s stunning Kimberley region. The program promises the return of the popular Muster Rodeo, Corroboree Under the Stars, and Comedy in the Park, as well as an array of new events and experiences, which culminate in the iconic Kimberley Moon Experience including the Kimberley Fine Diamonds Dinner, an open-air black-tie event. Celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, the annual festival will take place in Kununurra/Goonoonoorrang from 15–24 May 2026. Proudly supported by Tourism WA since 2017, the event draws thousands of visitors to explore the region and experience the magic of the muster with close to 1,500 out-of-region visitors attending in 2024. Find out more here. 

World-class sailing sets course for Fremantle as Sail Grand Prix approaches 
The countdown is on for the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG, making its Fremantle/Walyalup debut from 17–18 January 2026. Following the racing action, Bathers Beach will be transformed into Après Sail, a social and entertainment scene that surrounds the sailing event, including a performance from Aussie band Sneaky Sound System. Fremantle is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors for the event, which is also expected deliver global media exposure and support local businesses with millions of dollars in visitor spending with Tourism WA’s support. Find out more here.

Tourism and hospitality event inspires future careers 
Tourism and hospitality were promoted as a career path of choice to more than 120 teachers, coordinators, and career advisors from across WA at the Tourism and Hospitality School Connect Professional Development Event 2025 last Friday. Delivered for a fourth year by Tourism WA, with support from the Department of Education, the Department of Training and Workforce Development and industry operators, the event showcased the diverse and rewarding career pathways tourism offers young West Australians to help create a sustainable local workforce pipeline. Find out more here.

Western Australia awarded top destination in China
Western Australia was named the “Most Popular Destination for Nature and Culture Experience” in the GOGO Travelling & Lifestyle Annual Awards in Shanghai. Hosted by leading Chinese travel and lifestyle media organisation GOGO Media Group, the award recognised Tourism WA for a series of standout marketing initiatives following the launch of the Walking On A Dream brand, including the Drive the Dream campaign; the Ni Hao WA event in March; the Rednote social media campaign; and multiple collaborations with online travel agents. Tourism WA was the only State Tourism Organisation to receive this accolade. Find out more about the Greater China market here. 

Regional events industry insight survey
The Australian Centre for Regional Events is conducting an industry insight survey to understand the challenges and priorities faced by regional event organisers. The feedback gathered will help shape the development of practical, AI-powered tools, templates, and resources designed to streamline event planning, reduce administrative burden, and improve overall event delivery. The insights will also ensure future solutions address the real needs of the industry—saving time, reducing stress, and enabling organisers to deliver exceptional experiences. The survey takes less than 10 minutes and is open to all regional event professionals. Take the survey here. 

2026 Western Australian Multicultural Awards nominations now open
Nominations are open for the Western Australian Multicultural Awards, which celebrate individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to multiculturalism, and to culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities in Western Australia. Tourism operators offering cultural tourism experiences are encouraged to apply, with the awards administered by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport’s Office of Multicultural Interests. Find out more and submit a nomination here. 

Register interest for 2026 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference packages
Registrations for conference packages, including flights, accommodation, and tickets, are open for the 2026 Perth Airport WA Tourism Conference. Taking place in Carnarvon from 25–27 May 2026, the conference will bring together tourism professionals to share insights, explore opportunities, and strengthen connections across the industry. Accommodation will fill up fast so operators should register their interest now to secure priority access to conference packages. Register interest here. 

Tourism Council WA Network@Night 
On Tuesday, 10 February, Tourism Council WA will host Network@Night at Bells Functions in Perth, bringing industry professionals together for an evening of networking and collaboration. Tourism Council WA’s networking events are designed to foster connection and collaboration while providing updates on the latest trends and programs shaping the tourism sector. Find out more and register here. 

Free resources to manage risks and maintain business continuity 
Tourism businesses can access resources through the Tourism Council WA to help navigate risk. The Risk Assessment Tool helps tourism businesses to assess and manage these risks; and the Business Continuity Tool helps businesses develop a clear plan to ensure operations continuity during any unforeseen disruptions. These tools are available to Tourism Council WA members via the Quality Tourism Framework. Find out more here.