Tourism WA MD resigns

Brodie Carr will reportedly step down as managing director of Tourism WA so his wife can move closer to her family in France.

Mr Carr had been appointed to a five-year term at Tourism WA in 2018 after co-founding and serving as chief executive of Front Foot Agency.

Before that he served as chief executive of World Surf League and held management roles with the Australian Olympic Committee.

Mr Carr's appointment at the time was labelled a win for the state's tourism industry by the Tourism Council WA, Australian Hotels Association WA, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA.

During his tenure, Mr Carr oversaw deals to bring a $100 million Marriott-operated spa and resort to Margaret River, and helped to secure several direct flights from Perth to cities throughout Asia.

He has also been a key figure in the state government’s efforts to preserve Western Australia’s tourism industry post-COVID-19, including partnering with Virgin Australia to subsidise regional airfares.

Mr Carr’s replacement has not yet been named.

State government spends $500,000 on 'staycations'

Elsewhere, the state government has said it will partner with the likes of the Royal Automobile Club of WA and booking platform Wotif to promote 'staycations' in Perth hotels.

Those partnerships are part of Tourism WA's existing 'Wander Out Yonder' campaign.

That's on top of subsidising room rates and offering midweek specials for prospective guests.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia touted the state government's COVID-19 response in promoting the appeal of taking a staycation.

"The suite of entertainment options ramping up around Perth in the coming months make this the perfect time to holiday in your home town with a staycation and an affordable city hotel room," he said.

"Regional WA's tourism hotspots are absolutely jam-packed now and into the school holidays, so anyone who hasn't booked should look at the incredible options around Perth and rediscover our wonderful city."