Western Australian Government creates new division to support nature-based tourism

The Western Australian Government has announced that it is creating a new tourism-focused division within the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to further support nature-based tourism initiatives.

Western Australia’s national parks are currently home to around 500 tourism businesses, with DBCA managing world-class attractions like the Kalbarri Skywalk and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Ningaloo Coast and Shark Bay.

Policies supported by the Western Australian Government have generated record visitation at the state’s national parks, recording over 24 million visits in the 2023/24 financial year.

Announcing the move today, Western Australian Environment Minister, Reece Whitby stated “this new division will prioritise our State’s natural assets and elevate the economic contribution WA national parks make to our regional economies.”

Tourism industry welcomes new division
Creation of the new DBCA division has been welcomed by Tourism Council WA, with TCWA Chief Executive, Evan Hall advising that it was critical new attractions and experiences were created for visitors.

Hall advised “nature-based experiences drive visitors and visitor dollars to Western Australia, particularly into regional WA.

“Nature-based tourism is the main reason tourists come to Western Australia for a holiday.”

Noting that visiting national parks, marine parks and botanical gardens was the third most popular leisure activity for visitors to Western Australia after dining out and shopping, Hall stated “sustainable tourism businesses not only create jobs but ensure minimal environmental visitor impact and help protect and promote our National and Marine Parks.

“Sustainable tourism also creates revenue for conservation and education, as well as tourism jobs in our regional towns.

“Tourism Council WA particularly welcomes the focus on new commercial tourism projects, as tourism businesses want to invest in nature-based experiences for National Park visitors.”

Hall said adequate public investment in existing attractions was critical to ensure they remained open and accessible to Western Australians and guests from around the world, adding “visitors don’t just want to stop and stare from lookouts, they want to engage with nature and have adventurous experiences, particularly in natural environments that are unique to Western Australia.

“National Parks are public land and should be open and accessible for everyone into the future.

“Tourism Council WA calls on DBCA to maintain all current visitor access and experiences across our wonderful National and Marine Parks.”

Images: Western Australia's Kalbarri Skywalk (top) and the Ningaloo Coast (below).