Tourism Council WA welcomes tourism recovery guidelines

Tourism Council WA has welcomed guidelines released today (10th May 2020) by the Western Australian Government on lifting COVID-19 travel restrictions which will allow some intrastate tourism to recommence from next week.

Tourism Council WA Chief Executive, Evan Hall said the changes to travel restrictions in Phase 2 would be a lifeline for tourism businesses affected, particularly in the South West as people from Perth start to head south.

Hall advises “we really encourage Western Australians to get out there and support tourism businesses from next week when the first regional travel restrictions lift.

“The best way you can do that is by booking directly with the business – call them today, or go on their website, and keep all of your money in Western Australia rather than sending commissions overseas through online travel agents.”

Hall said a lot of businesses would not find it viable to open without a critical mass of Perth visitors or due to the four-square metre per person rule.

Hall notes “we recognise that the State Government has put WA’s economic recovery ahead of other States by allowing gatherings of up to 20 people, rather than the 10-person limit in other States.

“We are delighted that it is expected there will be a real opening up of travel across WA from mid-June. This means tourism operators in the North West could salvage some of their peak season with the support of Western Australians.

“Tourism Council WA wants to work with the State and Federal Governments on safe and sustainable ways of allowing travel to sensitive areas such as the Kimberley and Goldfields from mid-June.”

Image of Niagara Dam courtesy of Goldfields Tourism Network