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The Western Australian Government is to introduce longer licences from 10 years to up to 20 years for tourism operators meeting best practice standards in tourism experiences, sustainability and accessibility information for visitors.

The longer licences will provide confidence for tour operators to develop and promote sustainable tourism experiences in national parks and reserves. The longer licence terms are offered in conjunction with the Western Australian Government’s current trial waiver of annual licence fees.

Longer licences will enable national park tourism operators to increase their confidence to invest in low emissions vehicles and vessels, accessible facilities and world class nature-based tourism experiences for visitors.

Longer licence terms underpin a new partnership arrangement between Tourism Council WA and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions to jointly badge and recognise licenced operators meeting best practice standards.

Under the partnership Tourism Council WA will provide Sustainable Tourism Accredited Businesses with complimentary assessment of their accessibility, emissions and cultural inclusion to assist the development of their nature-based tourism product.

Licenced operators reaching best practice standards can use the joint national Parks Sustainable Tourism Brand to promote their experiences to visitors as official operators in national parks.

Commenting on the initiative, Western Australian Environment Minister, Matthew Swinbourn stated “licenced operators guide visitors through world class nature-based experiences across our national and marine parks and reserves.

“Through this new partnership Parks and Wildlife Service and tourism operators will work hand in hand to maintain environmental standards and sustainable visitation in our parks.”

“The State Government will actively recognise licenced operators who ensure environmental standards are upheld and make a positive contribution to quality visitor experiences in parks.”

WAITOC Chief Executive, Robert Taylor noted “providing licence certainty and fee relief assists Aboriginal tourism businesses create world class cultural tourism experiences in our national and marine parks.

“Longer licences enable Aboriginal businesses to invest in marketing their tours worldwide and attract visitors to WA.”

Tourism Council WA Chief Executive, Evan Hall added “tourism operators looking to invest in accessibility equipment, low emissions vehicles and employing staff need certainty that longer licences provide. The extension of licences by the State Government will create more sustainable tourism in parks and regional jobs across WA.

“Better branding of licenced operators will help national parks staff identify the legitimate operators and better target unauthorised operators who are not compliant with the standards for conservation and protecting national parks.”

Images: The Kalbarri Skywalk (top) and diving at Ningaloo Reef (below).

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