The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) WA has welcomed a recent $36.6m investment from the WA Government into the state’s tourism industry.
Delivered as part of the 2024-2025 budget, the funding will support events and workforce development, adding $25m to the existing Major Events Fund and creating a $3.6m Metro Events program designed to engage both locals and visitors to WA.
AHA WA CEO Bradley Woods explained the funding’s relevance to the hospitality sector in WA.
“This new funding will play a significant role in boosting the reputation of WA as an events destination, bringing new visitors to the state and driving economic growth for our hotel and hospitality industry.
“This is a welcome development for the industry and the broader community, and we look forward to seeing visitor numbers increase along with new opportunities to showcase our world-class hospitality venues and to promote WA beyond our borders,” he said.
The budget investment also puts an additional $4.9m towards the Tourism Workforce Development program, which has also been welcomed by the AHA WA.
“Our hospitality sector relies on workers to deliver excellent customer experiences, so it’s crucial we can continue to attract quality candidates to the sector and empower them to pursue it as a fulfilling and rewarding career of choice.
“This funding will ensure that we can grow a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of delivering services and experiences that will contribute to the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry,” Woods said.
AHA WA commends the WA Government on prioritising the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors but continues to lobby for payroll tax relief.