Almost a thousand Western Australian tourism businesses have shared in more than $14 million of funding from the McGowan Government’s Tourism Recovery Program.
The support program has now delivered grants of $6,500-$100,000 to 974 WA tourism businesses to assist the sector as it manages the impacts of COVID-19.
The second round of the program – the Tourism Business Survival Grants – is being distributed this week and will see grants of up to $100,000 allocated to 266 of the State’s tourism businesses most impacted by COVID-19.
While much of the State is currently enjoying an intrastate tourism boom, some businesses have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, with many unable to operate for large parts of the year.
Some businesses in more remote parts of the State and those offering particular types of tours and experiences are also continuing to deal with the challenges of COVID-19.
Businesses in the State’s north have been among those most impacted, with 101 Kimberley and Pilbara businesses receiving funding and another 51 from WA’s Coral Coast region getting support.
Sixty-four businesses from the Perth metropolitan region received grants, with 31 in the South-West and 19 in WA’s Golden Outback securing funding.
The Survival Grants funding will help tourism operators sustain and grow their businesses in the current environment – to cover fixed costs and overheads, purchase business materials and services, and shift focus to the domestic market.
The Tourism Recovery Program has provided wide support to the regions and sectors most impacted by COVID-19, with 70 per cent of all applicants successful in receiving funding.
Over $4 million in leftover funding from the Tourism Recovery Fund has been reallocated to the Tourism Business Survival Grants program – more than doubling the original $4 million allocation.
A full list of successful Tourism Business Survival Grants program recipients will be available from 8am tomorrow (October 5) at https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“While many in the tourism industry are enjoying the benefits of Western Australians travelling locally this year, there are still a number of businesses hurting as a result of COVID-19.
“Some regions, particularly those in the north of the State, are continuing to feel the impacts of the pandemic. A number of tour and experience operators whose businesses were geared towards out-of-State visitors are also facing challenges in the current environment.
“This funding support will help businesses cover costs, purchase supplies and services, and shift their focus to the domestic market.
“Our tourism operators are passionate, dedicated people and many are working hard to refocus their businesses to appeal more strongly to Western Australians. This funding support will go some way to assisting in that work.
“We again encourage Western Australians with the means to do so to get out and explore our great State, particularly the north and other more remote destinations.
“When you’re there, book a tour or experience and get a taste of one of the adventures out-of-State visitors have been enjoying in record numbers over recent years.”
