Curtin University students are shaking up the future of nature-based tourism with bold new accommodation concepts designed for a protected natural area.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the WA Government’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), students were tasked with the hypothetical reimagining of tourism infrastructure for an existing forested site within a well-known conservation reserve in Western Australia.
Curtin Professor in Tourism, Michael Volgger, from the School of Management and Marketing, said the industry project demonstrates what’s possible when you invite fresh perspectives into conceptualising ideas for place-based planning. He can be quoted as saying:
“This project proves that when students are given real-world challenges, they rise to the occasion with creativity and bold thinking. These concepts have merit and are ideas that could shape the future of tourism in WA.”
Executive Director of the Nature-based Tourism Division at DBCA, Sveva Falletto, said WA’s natural assets deserve tourism experiences that are thoughtful, sensitive to the environment, mindful of WA’s rich culture and future-focused. She said:
“We want to encourage visitors to experience nature through sustainable nature and culture-based attractions. So, it’s wonderful to hear the creative ideas coming from the next generation of tourism professionals through this exercise.”
As part of the project, student groups assessed the market landscape, identified potential location-based opportunities and target groups, and developed creative accommodation concepts with clear value propositions, positioning strategies, and business models.
The proposals go far beyond traditional accommodation models, offering immersive experiences that fuse sustainability, cultural storytelling, and wellness tourism.
Some of the ideas include:
- A culturally rich, nature-immersive cabin retreat built around an iconic fireplace. It features campfire cooking, yarning circles, and stargazing, blending First Nations wisdom with sustainable design.The concept includes partnerships with local operators to immerse guests in the surrounding environment and Indigenous culture.
- A wellness-focused nature hub positioned between the high-end luxury market and the camping range. It promotes reconnection with nature through outdoor activities and premium cabin stays, offering amenities such as an outdoor pool, cinema, pizza restaurant and yoga classes.
While the ideas are conceptual, and any potential future use of the site would be subject to relevant approvals and consultation, the project highlights how student-led thinking can inspire and influence broader conversations about tourism development.
The final concepts will be presented on campus, with a panel of experts — including Executive Director Sveva Falletto — selecting the most compelling idea.
Some students used artificial intelligence to visualise their concepts, bringing their ideas to life through digital renderings as featured in this article
