WA's Protected Areas Attract 24 Million Visitors, $2.4 Billion Boost to State's Economy

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The state's protected areas in Western Australia have attracted a staggering 24 million visitors in the 2023-24 financial year, propelling the state's economy with a $2.4 billion windfall.

But it was locals heading out to explore their own backyard that contributed the most, with out-of-state visitation lagging at just 26 per cent.

A Deloitte report on the economic and social contribution of WA's protected areas, commissioned by the state government, found that the areas drew over 24 million visitors.

Yet, 74 per cent of those visits were intrastate travel, with the remaining 26 per cent coming from interstate or international tourists.

The most visits were recorded at Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, located three hours south of Perth.

The report reveals a significant trend in visitor numbers, with intrastate visits rebounding since the COVID-19 pandemic. Overnight visits are now higher than they were in 2019.

Premier Roger Cook recently announced he would take over as tourism minister, reiterating the importance of branding and marketing WA as a premier tourist destination.

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn welcomed the report, stating that the government's record investments in conservation are vindicated by the findings.

Deloitte Access Economics spokesperson John O'Mahony confirmed the analysis, stating that WA's protected areas are both "iconic destinations" and substantial contributors to the state's economy.

The report estimates the overall value of the state's protected areas at $26.6 billion over a 30-year period, considering not only tourism revenue but also the intrinsic value of natural assets and visitor experiences.

The social asset value of protected areas has been quantified comprehensively for the first time, highlighting the vital role they play in preserving biodiversity and enabling recreation, leisure, and social connection.

The Western Australian government has announced plans to continue investing in conservation efforts, building on the momentum generated by this new report.

While the $26.6 billion social asset value of WA's protected areas is substantial, the real-world impact is perhaps most striking in the regional communities surrounding these areas.

Tourist dollars directly support local businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the overall prosperity of these regions.

The success of WA's protected areas is a testament to the effectiveness of targeted tourism initiatives, leveraging the natural beauty and unique attractions of Western Australia to drive economic growth.

The Deloitte report highlights the importance of investing in regional infrastructure and marketing initiatives to continue promoting the state's protected areas as a major tourist drawcard.