Revive WA Tourism by Booking Local

Western Australians will be encouraged to start ticking off their WA bucket list and book direct to help revive the State's tourism industry through Tourism Council WA's Holiday in WA campaign, which recommences today.

"With a roadmap to reopen intrastate travel now laid out, Western Australians will soon be able to get back out and explore all that the State has to offer," Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.

"We have the opportunity to turn things around for WA's tourism operators, who have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19 restrictions - so now is the time to start booking those big, bucket-list experiences you've always wanted to do," he said.

The Holiday in WA campaign will focus on encouraging people to book directly with local tourism businesses, rather than through online booking platforms which are mostly owned by large, overseas-based corporations, and charge up to 25% commission.

"When you holiday in WA, don't let your money take a trip overseas," Mr Hall said.

"Each year, Western Australians are paying $13 million in overseas commissions to book locally based tourism product, costing WA tourism around 150 jobs.

"We'd like to ask people to consider making the conscious decision to book directly with tourism operators, ensuring their money stays in the local communities they are visiting."

Mr Hall said it was expected there would be high demand for holiday bookings, particularly for the July school holidays and winter getaways to the north of WA.

"Make a plan and start booking now - every booking you make with a tourism operator will give them confidence to restart their business," he said.

The campaign website, www.holidayinwa.com.au, is a non-profit, local website, showcasing genuine, local tourism businesses. On the website, Western Australians can find local accommodation, tours and experiences, compare travellers' ratings and book direct with tourism businesses, avoiding overseas commissions.