WA is “devastated”

TOURISM business activity in Western Australia has decreased rapidly since the latest round of lockdowns across Australia, down by 62% according to the Tourism Council WA.

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall is now calling for federal and state government financial support so that the sector is in a position to receive travellers down the track, labelling the current crisis “devastating”.

“Tourism businesses across WA are facing a cash flow crisis as the collapse of the interstate market has resulted in mass cancellations and a downturn in forward bookings,” he said.

“Businesses face reducing staff and 31% report they will run out of cash in six months.”

In contrast, WA Premier Mark McGowan said the state’s sector was holding up well despite border closures, suggesting it was “very hard to get a booking anywhere at the moment”.