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Issue 873 Thursday, 2 October 2025
This week’s announcement of 17 new accommodation projects receiving support through the Unique Tourism Accommodation Proposals (UTAP) program is a fantastic step forward for WA’s visitor economy. These accommodation developments will offer travellers more unique and memorable ways to experience our state, while supporting regional communities and the surrounding tourism operators. It’s great to see such strong interest in creating accommodation stays that reflect Western Australia’s natural beauty and cultural richness—and we look forward to seeing these projects come to life. Another exciting opportunity on the horizon is the upcoming
Men’s Rugby World Cup. Tourism WA celebrated two years to go this week until the mega event arrives in Perth/Boorloo as part of the golden decade of rugby. This will be the biggest event ever held in Perth, and we are looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of rugby fans to the state when the tournament officially kicks off in WA in October 2027. Warm regards, Acting Managing Director Mel Forbes and the Executive Management Team.
New accommodation projects to boost WA tourism
Seventeen new accommodation projects across WA have been announced under the Unique Tourism Accommodation Proposal (UTAP) program. Supported by Tourism WA, the initiative will help deliver eco-lodges, glamping tents, treehouses, Aboriginal camp sites and more. Each project will receive up to $100,000 to support planning and development approvals. The program aims to grow WA’s pipeline of unique, culturally and environmentally sensitive stays, enhancing visitor experiences and addressing accommodation shortages in high-demand areas. More information here.
Countdown is on until Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Premier Hon. Roger Cook MLA joined Rugby World Cup Australia, Rugby Australia and Wallabies player Carlo Tizzano at Kings Park/Kaarta Koomba to celebrate the two years to go milestone for the upcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027. Supported by Tourism WA, Perth Stadium will host seven matches, including the opening match featuring the Wallabies, as part of the massive global tournament. The event takes place from 1 October to 13 November 2027 and is third largest sporting event on the planet behind only the Summer Olympics and Men’s FIFA World Cup. Find out more here.
Tourism WA hosts Namaste WA trade event
Tourism WA recently hosted the Namaste WA event, welcoming 14 key outbound travel agents and six media representatives from India. The trade delegation took part in a full-day B2B workshop, engaging with 19 local tourism operators from across WA. This event provided a valuable platform to strengthen business relationships, gain insights into current travel trends and market behaviours, and explore future opportunities for WA's tourism industry. In the lead-up to the event, the two groups participated in destination familiarisation tours across Perth and its surrounds, the South West region, and the Coral Coast region, gaining first-hand experience of WA’s diverse tourism offerings. Learn more about the India visitor market here.
UFC Fight Night electrifies Perth
Perth hosted its first-ever UFC Fight Night on Sunday, 28 September, with ULBERG vs. REYES drawing a crowd of more than 12,500 fans to RAC Arena and generating approximately $2.7 million in ticket sales. Supported by Tourism WA, the event also attracted thousands of interstate fans and was broadcast to over 950 million households globally. The event showcased Perth as a world-class destination for major international events, supporting WA’s strategy to grow tourism and diversify the economy. More information here.
Tourism WA and All Nippon Airways partner on new digital media campaign
Tourism WA and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have launched a dedicated digital media campaign to promote ANA’s direct Narita–Perth service. Running from September through October, the campaign showcases WA’s iconic natural attractions under the Walking On A Dream brand. Targeting high-yield leisure travellers in the Greater Tokyo area, the campaign leverages digital platforms to drive brand awareness and stimulate flight bookings on ANA’s Perth route, while elevating WA’s reputation as a premier tourism destination. Learn more about the Japan visitor market here.
Register for Regional Event Leadership program
Register now for the Regional Event Leadership Program for Local Government, running from 11 November to 2 December 2025, and gain the skills and support to successfully deliver events in your community. This online course, developed by the Australian Centre for Regional Events, provides your team with tools, templates, and strategies to streamline processes, work more efficiently, and maximise the impact of events in your region. Events remain one of the most effective ways to drive local pride, economic growth, and regional identity. For more information and to register, visit here.
New experience development case studies available
Learn more about how Tourism WA is helping shape exciting new experiences, attractions and accommodation in the state through our National Park Tourism Experiences Development (NPTED) program. A range of case studies are now live on our corporate website, including information on how Tourism WA supported Trek Ningaloo to develop a new four-day land and sea tour with ‘Ningaloo Odyssey’ trekking in the National Park and kayaking in the Marine Park. Learn more about the case and the other operators who’ve been supported by NPTED by accessing our corporate website here.
Registrations open for Dream Global Tourism Forum
Tourism WA is inviting local tourism businesses to register for the Dream Global Tourism Forum to be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre on Friday, 7 November. The event gives operators the chance to hear from Tourism WA’s Country and Market Managers, who will share the latest insights and activities from the 12 international and domestic markets that Tourism WA are active in for 2025–26. The forum will conclude with a networking reception, giving operators an opportunity to connect with their peers. Register your attendance here.
Become a tour guide in Perth
Tourism Council WA is hosting a one-day Tour Guide Training workshop in Perth on Tuesday, 15 October, designed to introduce the fundamentals of guiding in a fun and supportive environment. The workshop covers essential techniques to deliver engaging and professional visitor experiences and is designed for new operators or those with past experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to build their confidence and connect with others in the tourism sector. Learn more and register here.
Upcoming Broome workshops and networking
Tourism Council WA is heading to Broome/Rubibi for a series of industry workshops and a Tourism Connect networking event on 14–15 October. Learn how to attract key markets in the Understanding Target Markets workshop and explore respectful ways to incorporate Aboriginal culture in the Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion session. The Your Tourism Business Online workshop offers practical advice on building and maintaining a strong digital presence. Attendees can wrap up the experience by connecting with fellow operators at the Tourism Connect function. These sessions are a great opportunity to build skills, share insights and grow your tourism business. Learn more here.
Tourism Council WA AGM & Network@Night registrations open
Tourism Council WA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday, 21 October and will be followed by a networking event for tourism businesses to connect with new people and meet industry colleagues. Guests can register for just the AGM, the Network@Night, or both. Please note, only current financial members of Tourism Council WA can attend the AGM. Click here to register.
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