- Ningaloo Adventure Voucher Program snapped up in less than a week
- This is the fastest selling consumer incentive voucher program Tourism WA has run since COVID-19
- Vouchers offer 50 per cent off eligible tours and experiences in Exmouth, Coral Bay and Carnarvon as part of the Cook Labor Government's $1.45 million Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package
- Wide range of marine, adventure, scenic and cultural experiences included to encourage visitors to head to the Ningaloo region and support recovery, local jobs and businesses
The Cook Labor Government's Ningaloo Adventure Voucher Program, offering 50 per cent off eligible tours and experiences on the Coral Coast, has been met with overwhelming demand, snapped up in less than a week.
Launched on Tuesday, 5 May, the initiative's strong interest has generated more than $500,000 worth of bookings for the 40 tourism businesses participating in the program, becoming the most popular consumer incentive voucher program Tourism WA has run since COVID-19.
With experiences offered in Exmouth, Coral Bay and Carnarvon, the vouchers have enabled travellers to book a wide range of activities at a discounted rate through select visitor centres, including whale shark and manta ray swims, snorkelling and eco adventures, hiking experiences, scenic flights, Aboriginal cultural tours and more.
The voucher program is part of a $1.45 million Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package, delivered through Tourism WA, and is designed to drive visitation to the Coral Coast region and generate forward bookings for tourism operators who were affected by the severe weather event.
A targeted intrastate marketing campaign is also supporting the program, encouraging Western Australians to take advantage of discounted tourism experiences and explore the incredible Coral Coast region.
In addition to the vouchers, the Cook Labor Government is continuing to deliver Tourism Business Support Payments for eligible tourism operators impacted by the cyclone.
The Tourism Business Support Package complements the one-off disaster relief payments of up to $4,000, and loan interest subsidies for businesses already available, for those who lost homes or business assets from the severe weather event.
To further support regional operators, the Cook Labor Government has supported the return of the Affordable Airfares Program, providing cheaper flights to Western Australia's regional destinations including Exmouth, Broome and Kununurra.
Find out more at westernaustralia.com/adventurevouchers
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Cook Labor Government's Ningaloo Adventure Vouchers have been an exceptional success, snapped up in less than a week, showing just how special the Coral Coast is and the world-class, once-in-a-lifetime experiences on offer.
"The voucher program is driving visitation to the region alongside the Affordable Airfares Program, which is helping even more travellers book a trip to the Coral Coast and assist the local economy to recover.
"As the Coral Coast welcomes visitors back to the region to enjoy these unique tours and experiences over the coming months, I encourage all Western Australian drivers licence holders to use their $100 fuel support payments to visit these towns and support local tourism operators and businesses.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to deliver these opportunities for locals and visitors to explore and return to the region, support local businesses, jobs, and the community to rebuild, something that we can all get behind."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The community has shown strong support for Coral Coast businesses by quickly taking up these vouchers. This response underscores the widespread appreciation for this remarkable part of our State.
"With the tourist season underway, the Cook Labor Government is encouraging people to explore what WA's regions, like the Coral Coast, have to offer. Doing so not only contributes to regional jobs and economic growth, but visitors will also gain unforgettable experiences from their journeys."
Comments attributed to Gascoyne Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The extraordinary success of this program demonstrates not only what an attractive tourism destination the Coral Coast is, but also the goodwill of the travelling public in wanting to support local tourism businesses.
"After a tough time, it's heartening to see tourism operators getting back on their feet, with the tourism dollars set to flow through to other businesses in the region."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I'm thrilled the Cook Labor Government's travel voucher program has sold out in less than a week which shows the support from the community to the Coral Coast that will help drive crucial visitation back to the region.
"Visitors taking part in these tours and experiences across the Coral Coast including Exmouth and Coral Bay will further support local businesses and jobs and I encourage all national and international visitors to resume travelling to this incredible region.
