Nearly $1.4billion of tourism accommodation is being planned throughout Western Australia, a massive $372million more than the same time last year.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale today said 134 projects were either in the planning phase or under construction, according to figures from the Tourism Accommodation Development Register.
“There are 86 projects in the planning phase and if they all materialise, an extra 4,909 new rooms will be available, which will boost tourism and create more jobs for Western Australians,” Ms McHale said.
“There are 48 projects worth about $434million currently under construction and once complete, more than 1,500 new rooms will be available.
“In addition to projects planned or under construction, 30 projects worth nearly $100million were completed during 2007, creating 1,237 new rooms in WA.”
Ms McHale said while major tourism accommodation projects were planned, under way or completed across the whole State, the South-West region in particular showed a significant amount of tourism development activity.
“The South-West continues to grow, with 32 projects worth more than $684million in the pipeline," she said.
“Perth has 21 projects worth $374million in the planning stage, set to add more than 1,130 rooms to the accommodation register if complete.
“The majority of these developments are outside the central business district, however two significant developments planned for inner-city Perth will help alleviate overflowing hotels by creating 156 new rooms.
“The Coral Coast region has nearly $74million worth of projects under construction, including the Mariner Resort worth $20million which will provide nearly 100 self-catering units.
“The Golden Outback region has nearly $45million worth of projects in the planning stage and it’s also encouraging to see development of three caravan parks completed during 2007.
“Five projects were completed in the North-West region worth $29million, providing 664 extra rooms for the region, including an eco retreat in Karijini National Park.”
The Tourism Accommodation Development Register is published twice a year. To view visit the ‘investment opportunities’ section of http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au.
