WA sinks $70m into tourism

THE Western Australian Government has announced $70 million in funding to revitalise the state’s tourism sector, as part of its 2022-23 State Budget plan.

Cash will go towards launching international and domestic marketing activities ($21 million), attracting marque events ($31 million), and creating more national park tourism experiences ($18 million), extra funding that will join an existing $195 million already injected into the Reconnect WA package.

The additional marketing funds will be used to position WA as a globally desirable holiday destination through a new branding campaign, focusing on five of its regions: the Coral Coast, Golden Outback, North-West, South-West and Perth.

Domestically the east coast will be the target of most of the efforts, while internationally Europe, the US, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and New Zealand will take up the majority of the spend.

Meanwhile the National Park Tourism Experience Development Package will see WA allocate $6.5 million to establish eight “shovel-ready” sites in national parks in preparation for private investment, including eco retreat accommodation, while $5 million will be spent working with industry to activate trails and attractions already in national parks to create bookable touring options for visitors.

The events pillar of the funding package will see $20 million set aside for the Major Events Fund dealing with business events, while $10.7 million will be poured into the Event Tourism budget.

“This is a budget that backs tourism and backs investment in local businesses,” the WA Government said.