State Government’s new ‘unique’ accommodation fund to harness Aboriginal and eco-tourism in Capes region

The Capes region looks likely to experience an intensification of unique tourism developments after the State Government this week confirmed a long-awaited fund to help projects get off the ground.

Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti confirmed developers could receive grants of up to $100,000 to help scope and plan for unique accommodation options which coincides with the State Government’s investment in national parks.

The move follows a call from Tourism Council of WA chief executive Evan Hall, reported by the Times last year, for agencies including the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to lift their game compared to other States.

Mr Hall said WA tourism was missing out on game-changing demographics, with tourists drawn to attractions overseas and in places like Tasmania where they could mix bespoke food-and-wine experiences with novel accommodation options in nature.

He welcomed the new fund after it was announced at the weekend and said WA was “crying out” for new accommodation options in regional areas.

“The lack of accommodation is limiting the economic development of regional towns, and opportunities for locals to explore our State’s unique natural environment,” Mr Hall said.

The Government’s new Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals program would support development of new attractions, including tree houses and eco-lodges, and offset costs at the planning level for smaller projects.

“We’re looking for creative and quirky places to stay, as unique accommodation helps attract visitors,” Mr Hall said.

Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association chief executive Sharna Kearney told the Times providing speciality offerings would entice travellers.

“This type of accommodation is critical for attracting interstate and international visitors who we know are more likely to travel in our shoulder and off-peak periods, helping to sustain businesses in our community year-round,” she said.

The MRBTA boss also said she was pleased the new fund specifically supported culturally sensitive projects because visitors were wanting Aboriginal tourism experiences as well as to know iconic locations were being looked after.

Ms Saffioti said diversifying and enhancing the State’s tourism accommodation was key to growing the annual near-$18 billion visitor spend.

“Our incredibly unique landscapes and experiences right up and down the entire coastline really put us on the global map and have made us a highly sought-after destination,” she said.

“We want to capitalise on these advantages, which is why we’re inviting tourism operators and developers to consider how they can develop unique accommodation across WA, which will further support the tourism industry and our efforts to diversify our economy and create local jobs.”