WA tourism to reap rewards of $1bn accommodation boom

25th May 2006, Australia - New tourism accommodation projects worth almost A$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, A$1billion in accommodation projects are in the  pipeline - that is 19% more than at the same time a year ago," Ms McHale said. 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% 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 two tourism regions with the highest level of development are Australia's South-West, with A$352.9million and Experience Perth, with A$283.6million. [source: WA Business News (Australia) ]