Western Australians are encouraged to keep their Easter holiday plans and road trips to support regional towns, especially in the wake of Cyclone Narelle.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the tourism sector welcomed the Prime Minister’s support for Australians to still travel during the Easter holidays.
“The Australian Government’s announcement to halve the fuel excise for three months will provide much appreciated cost relief for Western Australians undertaking their regional road trips these April school holidays,” Mr Hall said.
“With the Easter long weekend and school holidays, and the ANZAC Day long weekend, April is a peak tourism season for much of regional WA, generating $140 million and 810 tourism-funded jobs in local regional economies.”
Mr Hall said visitors should still head north for their Easter holiday, including to Geraldton, Kalbarri and beyond to Onslow, Karratha, Broome and Kununurra.
“Geraldton and Kalbarri are open for business, and the Exmouth cleanup and recovery has begun for the April peak tourism season,” Mr Hall said.
“When visitors stay away it only compounds the economic damage of the cyclone.
“Please hold on to your bookings while awaiting impending news on the reopening of road and air access to Exmouth. If visitors cannot get to Exmouth in time for their holiday, we encourage them to postpone rather than cancel their trip to support local tourism operators.”
Tourism Council WA’s latest accommodation data shows peak Easter bookings are up five per cent compared with Easter last year.
“There are still plenty of spaces available in caravan parks and accommodation in many tourism towns, offering a wonderful family holiday over Easter,” Mr Hall said.
Tourism Council WA has surveyed more than fifty visitor centres and local tourism associations regarding fuel availability. While there are a handful of service stations with fuel shortages or limits, most tourism towns are reporting they have multiple service stations with fuel.
“Major tourist destinations and road trip routes for the coming season are reporting fuel is available. We understand fuel is available for those travelling into Western Australia from the Northern Territory through Kununurra, or South Australia via the Eyre Highway,” Mr Hall said.
“We support the State Government’s continual prioritisation of fuel distribution to regional WA, including roadhouses and single-service-station towns.
“We recommend staying in touch with your accommodation provider or local visitor centre for the latest updates on fuel and roads.”
