Western Australians are being encouraged to wander out yonder, and return to Kalbarri and its surrounds as tourism operators in the township throw open their doors once more.
Tourism Minister David Templeman visited Kalbarri yesterday to meet with local tourism operators to talk about support in coming months, as more businesses prepare to open their doors to visitors in the wake of Cyclone Seroja.
The Minister also announced an additional $220,000 funding for Australia's Coral Coast (ACC) regional tourism organisation, which will be used over the coming months to inspire West Australians to visit the area.
Newspaper, radio and digital campaigns start next week, along with advertising in the RAC Horizons magazine which is delivered to more than 900,000 members across the State.
A Tourism WA project manager will also be based in Geraldton for 12 months, starting in July. This person will work with other state and local government agencies, ACC, and local operators to support the ongoing recovery of the Kalbarri tourism economy and those of surrounding areas including Northampton.
The McGowan Government last week announced a $2.8 million emergency assistance package, giving individuals and businesses affected by Cyclone Seroja access to $4,000 grants. This includes tourism and hospitality businesses.
Find out about the tourism businesses that are currently open in Kalbarri at https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/travel-updates/cyclone-seroja
As stated by Tourism Minister David Templeman:
"Kalbarri has long been a popular holiday spot for travellers of all ages. Cyclone Seroja has had a devastating impact. While some tourism business owners are continuing to work hard to restore their services in the wake of the emergency, there are many in Kalbarri who are extending the warmest welcome right now to their fellow Western Australians.
"The Kalbarri National Park attracts thousands of visitors each year, and last year saw the opening of WA's most anticipated new tourism attractions - the Kalbarri Skywalk, with its uninterrupted views over the National Park.
"From now until November, it's the prime time to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales as they migrate down WA's coastline, or be amazed by the colours as more than 1100 species of wildflowers start to bloom.
"We need West Aussies to wander out yonder to Kalbarri again, and show your support for these tourism operators as they work through their recovery from Cyclone Seroja, and the COVID-19 pandemic."
