Visitor Centres within the Goldfields region are invited to apply for State Government funding towards initiatives that will help them stay viable and adaptable in the changing tourism landscape.
The Regional Visitor Centre Sustainability Grant Program, worth $4.2 million over three years, recognises the vital role that visitor centres play in boosting regional tourism and employment. The current round of funding under the program is more than $1 million and is made possible by Royalties for Regions.
Member for Kalgoorlie, Wendy Duncan MLA, said that Visitor Centres in the Goldfields shared in just over $91,000 in funding under the first round, with The Great Beyond Visitors Centre in Laverton receiving $75,000 and the Kalgoorlie Goldfields Visitors Centre receiving $18,808.
“As more travellers go online for information and bookings, visitor centres are looking to adapt their traditional business models to stay relevant and viable,” Ms Duncan said.
“The Grant Program supports our regional Visitor Centres to become more sustainable for the long-term in line with the growing trends of how local tourism information is accessed.”
Ms Duncan said that the tourism is a significant economic contributor for our regional areas and supporting this ongoing business through programs such as the Regional Visitor Centre Sustainability Program is essential to regional growth and development.
Accredited visitor centres or local government authorities can apply for grants between $5,000 and $100,000. A business plan must be included to support applications for amounts that are more than $40,000.
Grants between $5,000 and up to $40,000 are available to non-accredited visitor centres, where it is demonstrated the visitor centre is working towards achieving ATAP accreditation as part of their application.
To apply for the 2016-17 round of grants, please read the program guidelines and complete the application form and budget template, which must be returned to Tourism WA by 5pm on Friday, June 17, 2016.
For media enquiries contact Wendy Duncan MLA on 0438 782 034
