Tourism Council WA has welcomed the opening of the Unique Tourism Accommodation Proposals program, announced by the State Government today.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said Western Australia was crying out for new regional accommodation.
"We don't have enough accommodation for all Western Australian travellers during school holidays and other peak seasons," Mr Hall said.
"The lack of accommodation is limiting the economic development of regional towns, and opportunities for locals to explore our State's unique natural environment."
Mr Hall said the industry was keen to develop accommodation which was not just a place to stay, but a unique experience that celebrates our natural environment.
"From tree houses to ecolodges, we're looking for creative and quirky places to stay, as unique accommodation helps attract visitors," Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said unfortunately, the current planning system worked against small-scale sustainable accommodation in the natural landscapes Western Australians wanted to experience.
"The program will help defray the costs of a planning assessment for small-scale sustainable accommodation, which face the same planning approval costs as large mining developments," Mr Hall said.
"Regulatory reform will also be needed to ensure WA's great natural assets and unique environment become accessible and red tape does not render it unviable."
