Boasting a unique mix of natural and cultural riches, Western Australia is a traveller’s dream. The state’s vibrant creative community and outstanding venues translate into an exciting calendar of events from world-class art and museum exhibitions through to live music, major creative festivals and iconic sporting events.
Tourism in Western Australia is big business, supporting close to 30,000 companies and employing more than 100,000 people. In 2019, Western Australia attracted more interstate and international visitors than ever before – and they were ready to spend. International visitor spend grew 13% while interstate spend shot up 30%. Together, travellers spent $11 billion in the state.
With its vast natural beauty, Western Australia is rife with opportunities in the fast-growing nature tourism sector. The state is a beach-lovers’ paradise, boasting some of the world’s best beaches and one of its longest whale-watching seasons. The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is just one of the jewels studding the state’s spectacular 12,500km coastline. Western Australia’s varied landscapes range from rugged red desert and awe-inspiring geological marvels to lush forests and dazzling wildflower displays.
Incentives, grants and support
The Western Australian Government welcomes unique financing proposals through its Market-Led Proposals Policy. For businesses in Western Australia’s Collie region, the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund offers matched funding of up to A$2 million for industry-led projects that will have a significant and sustainable economic impact. There’s also strong support for events, including:
- Major Events Funding, allocated on a case-by-case basis for major events with economic and media impact
- Business Events Perth funding of up to $10,000 for local business events.
The WA Government also supports the development of tourism products, attractions and infrastructure by offering case manager support to navigate approval processes.
Perth Angels, one of the country’s most active early stage investor groups, can connect you to a network of national and international investors.
Western Australia’s thriving tourism ecosystem supports tourism operators to grow. Industry associations and peak bodies like the Tourism Council WA, the Australian Hotels Association WA and the WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council support tourism operators with industry representation, networking opportunities and business and workforce development programs. There’s also a full calendar of industry events including the WA Tourism Awards, the annual WA Tourism Conference and the upcoming 2022 Australian Tourism Exchange.
Case study
In 2018, Malaysia’s YTL group acquired the newly-built Westin Perth in the city’s largest-ever single asset transaction. Located in Perth’s heritage quarter, the 5-star hotel boasts 368 large guest suites. Its luxury facilities include signature restaurant Garum, 2,300 square metres of convention space, and award-winning spa Bodhi J.