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Expressions of interest sought for operators to deliver recreational businesses to Rottnest Island

Expressions of interest sought for operators to deliver recreational businesses to Rottnest Island
March 23, 2023

With Rottnest Island experiencing record island visitation numbers for the second half of 2022, Expressions of interest (EOI) are now being sought for experienced operators to bring exciting new recreational businesses to Rottnest Island for the next summer season.

This announcement is about seeking fun new activities including new water-based experiences and Aboriginal cultural experiences.

Total visitation statistics rebounded to more than 570,000 in 2022, with intrastate and international visitors returning to Rottnest in numbers.

Visitation records were broken in summer, with 119,554 visiting the island in January 2023, up 24% from January 2020.

The EOI includes specific calls for recreational leisure and water-based activities and experiences during the summer of 2023/24 from 1st November, as well as Aboriginal cultural tourism offerings and commercial premises for retail and recreational businesses.

The opening on the new EOI follows the success of two Rottnest Island-related businesses being recognised at the Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney.

Sealink WA won gold for being the best Major Tour and Transport Operator in Australia. The Hike Collective, which offers island experiences as well other Western Australian nature-based tours, won gold for being the best in Adventure Tourism and silver in the Tour & Transport category.

WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook notes "record visitor numbers continue to show that Rottnest is a favourite destination for local, interstate and the now returning international visitors.

"Visitors have embraced the island's new summer businesses, including Kuld Ice Creamery at the Basin, Boost at Sommerville, Travelling T Shirts at Kingston Barracks and the Island Gypsy located in the iconic Salt Store.

"Expanding the range of recreational, tourism and retail offerings this summer will help the island to remain an exciting and interesting destination for visitors.

"The call for new businesses on Rottnest Island comes at a great time, with visitors looking for recreational activities, food and beverage offerings and Aboriginal experiences that acknowledge the cultural significance of the island.

"We have seen that the free Welcome to Country activities have been very popular on the Island and hope that Aboriginal tourism businesses consider offering cultural experiences this summer."

Further information on the EOI process is available at www.ria.wa.gov.au and applications close at 4pm AWST 17th May 2023.

Related Articles

2nd January 2023 - Updates to Rottnest Island booking system reflects feedback to unfair online reselling

17th August 2022 - Rottnest Island’s Family Fun Park faces closure as Western Australian Government looks to upgrade site

12th July 2022 - New Rottnest Island management plan to better service tourists

2nd May 2022 - Rottnest Island to be powered by 75% renewables

10th January 2022 - Redevelopment of Rottnest Island Lodge gets approval to commence

24th June 2021 - Rottnest Island among 54 recipients of Western Australian Government coastal grants

26th April 2021 - New Aboriginal cultural tourism and recreational businesses sought for Rottnest Island

21st January 2020 - $33 million infrastructure program commences on Rottnest Island’s West End

29th August 2019 - Five-year development vision released for Western Australia’s Rottnest Island

11th April 2019 - Rottnest Island developments backed by Federal and Western Australian Governments

22nd March 2019 - Rottnest Island supports initiative to reduce plastic waste

10th February 2019 - Growing popularity of Rottnest Island sees it approach 2034 visitor target

16th January 2019 - Increased visitor numbers on Rottnest Island

29th November 2018 - Experiences on Rottnest Island enhanced by new recreational activities

28th August 2017 - Rottnest Express achieves Ecotourism Certification

30th March 2017 - Study finds Rottnest Island quokkas thrive despite increased tourism

25th September 2015 - Gateway Ticketing Systems provides ticketing point of sale system at Rottnest Island

14th August 2015 - Plans for new resort and marina at Western Australia’s Rottnest Island

13th April 2015 - Tourists charged after alleged attempting to burn a Quokka on Rottnest Island

29th November 2014 - 2015 Global Eco Conference heads to Rottnest Island

2nd October 2014 - Rottnest Island tops list of destinations to experience in 2014

13th December 2010 - Rottnest Island celebrates a century of tourism


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