Additional funding to attract more visitors to WA’s south west

The Morrison Government is providing an additional $1.25 million to help attract more tourists to WA’s south west region to support local businesses and jobs.

The Morrison Government is providing:

• $600,000 to support the ‘En Route: South West Edge’ marketing campaign to promote the South West Edge drive route and its epic experiences and attractions;
• $275,000 to help implement the Accelerating Tourism Resilience Mentoring Program which focuses on enhancing skills, talent, innovation capabilities and capacity;
• $200,000 for the ‘Fly Direct to the South West’ campaign to promote the new direct Jetstar flights from Busselton to Melbourne;
• $125,000 for the ‘South West Adventure Trails’ interstate marketing campaign which showcases the South West hiking and mountain biking adventure trails;
• $50,000 to establish a Generator Network Innovation Online Forum that provides an online learning space offering training resources and toolkits for local tourism businesses to grow and innovate.

Member for Forrest Nola Marino said “The regions are the engine room of the Australian economy and it’s fantastic to see that the Morrison Government is investing in the South West.

“This funding provides the regions tourism sector a boost, the South West has established itself as a premium tourist destination in Western Australia. Providing the additional funding will attract more visitors which will support tourism jobs in the South West.” Mrs Marino said.

Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said “Having more people visit the southwestern corner of Australia along the epic South West Edge tourist route will help develop the tourism economies of many regional towns, cities and shires.”

“From the southern karri forests, along the stunning south coast, and back toward Perth via Wave Rock or the historic Goldfields is an epic road-trip that every Australian should complete at least once in their lives,” Mr Wilson said.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Morrison Government was supporting regional Australia and its tourism sector by promoting Australian tourist destinations to the local market.

“There has never been a better time to book a holiday in Australia with so many incredible tourism experiences on our doorstep, and Western Australia would be on the top of many people’s dream itinerary,” Mr Tehan.

“Our Government has taken action to get Australians to book holidays, get out into regional Australia and spend money at hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and tourist attractions.

“The best thing we can do to support our tourism sector is to support Australians to take a holiday.

“The net impact of Australian tourist spending in Australia was a positive benefit to the economy of around $7.5 billion in the December quarter, so the benefits of getting Australians to book a domestic holiday are clear.”

Australia’s South West chief executive officer Catrin Allsop thanked the Morrison Government for investing in the region's recovery.

“This funding provides an opportunity for us to support the regional tourism economy and to strengthen collaboration in the South West,” Ms Allsop said.

“Our organisation has a bold vision for the region and will capitalise on this contribution to increase visitation and make us the most attractive destination in Australia for domestic travel

“This funding allows us to tell holiday makers from the East Coast that we are open for business and are ready to showcase the natural beauty and diversity of experiences we have here in the South West.”

This funding is part of the Government’s Recovery for Regional Tourism (RRT) program, an initiative of the Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund.