Esperance 'long overdue' for new five-star development

The Shire of Esperance says no new hotels or motels have been built in the town for 20 years and the community is in dire need of higher-end tourist accommodation.

Shire president Malcolm Heasman says high quality holiday accommodation is essential if the town is to remain attractive to tourists.

He says corporate travellers visiting Esperance want the best possible facilities.

"So when you have corporate travellers they tend to want to stay in the best accommodation and we've certainly coped to date and I think we're long overdue for another one, plus corporate travellers will be coming here much more often," he said.

Mr Heasman says the council is looking at appropriate sites for a four or five-star development.

"But it's something we've identified as a need," he said.

"We would be keen to speak to developers and shortly we'll be hopefully ... proactive in that area and perhaps invite some hotel operators to town to have a look at what the town has to offer."

Brett Thorp from the Real Estate Institute of WA says, with the town's revitalisation underway, it is crucial that high quality accommodation is developed.

"The transport corridor and the rail upgrade are obviously leading up to the port multi-user facility upgrade and obviously that will create some good, steady employment opportunities when that comes," he said.

"We really hope that that does bring additional investment into the town.

"We're desperately in need of a good four or five-star development in relation to accommodation and restaurant services."

Source: ABC News, 12 June 2013