$6 million flood recovery package announced for Kimberley tourism

The Western Australian Government has today unveiled a $6 million Tourism Flood Recovery Package to support Kimberley tourism businesses.

The funding comes in addition to Western Australian Government assistance that has been provided to impacted communities following the unprecedented floods in the Kimberley.

With Western Australian Tourism Minister Roger Cook having met with tourism operators from Kununurra and Broome, the assistance package includes discounted flights, holiday voucher incentives and a national marketing campaign to send the message that the region is open for tourism.

The package is aimed at driving visitors to the Kimberley this year while supporting the local tourism sector as it responds to the recent flooding.

Through Tourism WA, the Western Australian Government will launch an 'open for business' national marketing campaign to promote the Kimberley to holidaymakers, tourism wholesalers and industry players.

This will be backed by a voucher incentive program to boost bookings for local tourism operators in both the East and West Kimberley. The details of the voucher program will be finalised in consultation with the tourism industry.

Commenting on the package, Minister Cook stated "I urge all travellers with holidays planned for the Kimberley to keep their bookings or postpone until the time is right, rather than cancel, and I implore everyone to add a trip to the Kimberley to their travel plans for 2023 to explore the incredible experiences this part of our beautiful state has to offer.

"Now is the time to get behind Kimberley businesses and tourism operators.”

He added “the Kimberley is an iconic tourism destination that makes a significant contribution to the Western Australian visitor economy, and we want to do everything we can to help the local industry.”

The package has been welcomed by Tourism Council WA, with Chief Executive Evan Hall noting “the package announced today is critical support for flood affected tourism operators and communities who are now facing their fourth year of major tourism disruptions.”

With a Tourism Council WA survey showed that 15% of Western Australian tourism businesses were affected by the floods, with the majority reporting cancellations and declines in forward bookings, Hall added “we commend the State Government for their prompt response to the needs of tourism businesses.

“There are tourism operators in places like Broome and Kununurra operating as usual and offering fantastic experiences, but widespread media coverage of the floods has caused visitors to unnecessarily cancel their plans or postpone their holiday.”

Tourism Council WA encourages travellers to keep their holiday plans and contact tourism businesses or the local Visitor Centre if they have any questions about the impact of the floods.

Images: Floods in Kimberley Region, January 2023. Credit: Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services.