New tourism accommodation projects worth almost $1 billion are in the planning or construction stages in Western Australia.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale today announced that if all the projects materialised, more than 5,655 rooms would be added to the State's visitor accommodation.
"As of the first quarter of 2006, $1billion in accommodation projects are in the
pipeline - that is 19 per cent more than at the same time a year ago," Ms McHale said.
"This is a great boost for tourism and is excellent for employment."
The Minister said of the planned developments, 56 projects were already under construction across WA, with the potential to open up 2,000 new rooms for visitors.
"There are $266million worth of projects currently under construction across the State, which is a 28 per cent increase on the same time a year ago," she said.
"The $2.5million Savannah Campground development in the Karijini National Park will be under way shortly, consisting of 54 campsites, 35 tented cabins, a dining facility and amphitheatre.
"The four-star Exmouth Marina Novotel Ningaloo, worth $12million, is also under construction in Australia's Coral Coast region."
Ms McHale said the biggest development in the metropolitan region was the Medina Executive Barrack Plaza, which would include 100 one and two-bedroom, short-stay serviced apartments, as well as 48 strata-titled permanent residences.
"Tourism WA continuously monitors the level of private sector tourism development activity in WA," the Minister said.
"The register shows that accommodation developments here are on the rise, and are a good indicator of the strong growth in the tourism industry.
"As visitor numbers continue to grow, it is important our tourism infrastructure keeps pace with demand."
The two tourism regions with the highest level of development are Australia's
South-West, with $352.9million and Experience Perth, with $283.6million.
