WA government offers new $200 incentive to revive hotel industry
The West Australian government is backing up its September pledge to help struggling WA hotels, with a new sweetener to help members of the industry that have been bit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September 2020, the government offered ten thousand $100 vouchers to local tourists in a bid to get them into local venues. All 10,000 vouchers were snapped up in under four minutes.
This time around, Premier Mark McGowan has announced $200 discounts are to be offered at up to 80 hotels as part of a “Stay, Play and Save” campaign.
“Not only is this a great excuse to get away for a couple of days, but it will give a much-needed boost to our local hotels hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” McGowan said.
The discounts apply to those booking a minimum “mid-week getaway” (Sunday to Thursday of two-nights worth at least $400.
WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia launched the initiative at the Parmelia Hilton in Perth.
“For example, at this magnificently refurbished hotel here, we could get a king sized room, two nights stay, free parking, wine on arrival in the room, and have breakfast in the morning. For $549, but with the discount – just $349," Papalia said.
"That’s incredible value.”
The minister is hoping WA locals will jump at the opportunity, with interstate travel still a tricky proposition for many across the country.
“People would probably be a little reluctant for a while to be rushing off to travel interstate,” he said.
The WA Government will cover the $200 subsidy, up to a cost of $1 million.
The goal is to help revive WA’s hotel industry which Australian Hotels Association WA CEO Bradley Woods estimates only had three to four per cent occupancy rates during the height of the pandemic.
“We're up to now averages of 40 to 45% on weekends and during midweek around 25-30% across the board, but that also includes the quarantine hotels,” Woods said.
“There are some fantastic deals, some fantastic experience booking opportunities ahead, and we hope that this campaign is a sell-out experience.”
People can book a Perth or Swan Valley hotel from Friday, 29 January until 19 February. Travel will be until the end of April.
Up to 80 hotels will offer the discount, through the Swan Valley, Fremantle, Scarborough and Rockingham.
Irit Jackson, 26th January 2021
