The City of Karratha Council has committed $75,000 over three years to support coordinated tourism development and advocacy across the Pilbara.
Led by Australia’s North West, the Pilbara Regional Tourism Partnership will bring together the region’s local governments and industry stakeholders to develop shared priorities and deliver initiatives that increase visitation and strengthen tourism outcomes across the region.
Initial priorities include creating a unified Pilbara tourism brand, redeveloping the Warlu Way and establishing a regional tourism advocacy program.
The Pilbara Regional Tourism Partnership will compliment the City’s recently adopted Economic Development and Tourism Strategy through improved regional governance and industry capability, and coordinated advocacy.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the partnership would strengthen the region’s ability to capitalise on its tourism potential.
“The Pilbara offers outstanding nature-based, Aboriginal cultural, industrial and self-drive tourism experiences,” Mayor Scott said.
“Many of the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism sector extend across local government boundaries and require a coordinated regional response.
“Working together gives us a stronger voice on issues that affect the whole region, including improved aviation connectivity, visitor infrastructure, touring routes, accommodation and tourism investment.
“A shared tourism identity, an enhanced Warlu Way and stronger regional advocacy will help attract more visitors, encourage them to explore more of the Pilbara and generate greater benefits for local tourism businesses.”