17/8/04
The State’s five Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) have been given more than $1.5million in extra funding to boost regional tourism.
Tourism Minister Bob Kucera said the money, from the competitive funding grant scheme, supplemented the base funding supplied to the RTOs for marketing within Western Australia.
“Each of the five Regional Tourism Organisations was encouraged to apply for funds to boost their marketing and development from a total pool of $1,725,000,” Mr Kucera said.
“There were 38 submissions received. Some were given immediate support and others receive a boost in the coming years.
“All five regions will benefit - Australia’s Golden Outback will receive $255,000; Australia’s North-West $290,000; Australia’s Coral Coast $298,000; Australia’s South-West $311,000; and Experience Perth $331,000. The remaining $240,000 will be distributed after a further call for submissions.
“Projects funded include support for familiarisation tours to regional areas, funding for the television series Postcards WA, joint promotions with Qantas, website development and targeting tourists interested in marine holidays. A number of the successful projects take a cross-regional approach, which magnifies the benefits.”
Mr Kucera said the New Concept for State Tourism strategy - rolled out in 2003 - was to empower the regions.
“The RTOs focus on local activities, while Tourism WA drives the interstate and international campaigns to work hard promoting WA in a competitive global market,” he said.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
