- Funding recipients for Unique Tourism Accommodation Proposals program announced
- 17 accommodation projects across regional WA and Perth to be boosted
- Supported by the Cook Government, through Tourism WA, the program aims to develop a pipeline of WA accommodation options
Western Australia is set to welcome a wave of new tourism accommodation offerings, with recipients of the inaugural Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals (UTAP) program announced.
The UTAP program will support the delivery of 17 new accommodation projects, ranging from treehouses and eco-chalets to glamping tents, Aboriginal camp sites, heritage buildings and eco-lodges.
Under the competitive grant program, tourism operators and developers were encouraged to apply for financial support of up to $100,000 to co-fund planning assessments and studies needed to progress projects to development approval.
Supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, the program aims to develop a pipeline of WA accommodation options that provide visitors with distinct or memorable experiences and a strong connection to WA.
The projects are part of the State's economic diversification strategy and will add to the density and diversity of visitor accommodation options in and around some of WA's most iconic destinations, while also helping to address accommodation shortages in high-demand areas in each of WA's five tourism regions.
Funding recipients include:
- Dirk Hartog Glamping for the preparation of a masterplan and feasibility study for the development of 12 Eco-Lux Glamping tents with private ensuites;
- The Dam near William Bay National Park in the South West, with funding to support a geotechnical study, bushfire assessment and landscape design;
- Murchison River Camp in the Mid West, to support assessments for the development of 12 glamping tents overlooking the Murchison River;
- Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge in the Kimberley, supporting environmental surveys and mapping to support the expansion of the existing safari tents; and
- Bickley Tree Stay in the Perth Hills, with the funding to assist with bushfire and wildlife studies for the proposed development of three new glamping tents.
The UTAP program forms part of the WA Government's $17.7 million National Park Tourism Experiences Development Program, which aims to create new culturally and environmentally sensitive accommodation and grow the variety of experiences available across WA.
Find out more about Tourism WA's industry development opportunities at tourism.wa.gov.au/industrydevelopment
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"This program is an exciting step forward for Western Australia's tourism industry, with 17 innovative projects supported to progress planning and approvals stages to create a pipeline of exciting new accommodation choices for visitors.
"By supporting the early planning stages of these developments, we're helping to build a pipeline of unique and memorable accommodation that will enhance WA's tourism offering, attract more visitors, and create jobs in local communities.
"This program is about diversifying the State's economic strategy and unlocking opportunities in some of our most iconic locations, ensuring visitors have an unforgettable stay and engage with everything WA has to offer."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This initiative is showcasing the beauty of regional Western Australia and creating pathways to promote our most spectacular locations that are found off the beaten track.
"The Cook Government is investing in opportunities that will boost regional tourism, creating new job opportunities in the process, along with showcasing what regional WA has to offer."
