The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Western Australia (WA) has revealed positive growth for the state’s tourism and hospitality industries, with Perth hotels recording the highest occupancy rates in the country for the year ending 2024.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods attributed the growth to key strategic investments by the WA Government, including expanded aviation routes, an emphasis on major event attractions, and the resurgence of corporate travel and business events.
“A diversified schedule of events and aviation routes has proven instrumental in promoting WA to diverse audiences, attracting visitors from across the country and the globe,” Woods said.
“This is reflected in the higher occupancy of our hotels and which results in increased spending in pubs, bars and restaurants.”
Perth’s metropolitan hotels saw an average occupancy rate of 79.4 per cent from January to December 2024, marking a 3.9 per cent increase from 2023. The city’s average daily room rate also rose by 3.2 per cent, reaching $227.31, further demonstrating robust demand and higher room rates.
Regional WA also enjoyed significant growth, with the Kimberley and Pilbara regions recording a 13.5 per cent rise in occupancy, and Bunbury and Mandurah seeing a 10 per cent increase. These gains reflect a strong recovery and growing pricing power across the state.
“The surge in visitation brings substantial benefits to the local economy, supporting jobs in hospitality and boosting revenue for licensed venues and local tourism operators. Western Australia’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sectors continue to contribute to a thriving community and a resilient economy,” said Mr Woods.
“The WA Government’s ongoing efforts to invest in tourism infrastructure such as the expansion of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and initiatives are ensuring that the state remains a premier destination for visitors worldwide.”
Looking forward, the AHA(WA) will continue to advocate for government policies that promote event tourism, corporate travel, and leisure visits, ensuring sustained growth in the years to come.