City confirms 3 year tourism funding agreement

The City of Busselton has announced it will enter into a three year funding agreement to support the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA).

The local tourism association will receive support to the tune of $157,094 per annum to assist in the delivery of visitor servicing at the Busselton Visitor Centre, which it operates 364 days a year.

“The funding builds on the 15 year successful partnership between the City and MRBTA, which promotes the region as the destination of choice for events and unique tourism experiences,” Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“The delivery of visitor services on behalf of the City represents a cost effective investment towards tourism as a key economic driver for our community.”

The self funded not-for-profit organisation has a membership base of more than 650 and facilitates visitor servicing across the Capes, as well as management of Ngilgi, Lake, Mammoth and Jewel caves, Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses, the Capes Raptor Centre, and Forest Adventures.

CEO Sharna Kearney said the MRBTA was “extremely grateful” for the ongoing support from the City.

“The Busselton Visitor Centre receives excellent reviews from visitors, who appreciate the in-depth interactions they have with our team when planning their holiday,” she said.

“The economic impact of these interactions is also clear, as the latest research shows that every person who uses a visitor centre spends an additional $150 in region as a result.”

According to MRBTA figures, just over 1.4 million remote visitor interactions and 155,797 in-person interactions were supported by the Busselton Visitor Centre in 2023/24.

Figures released by Tourism WA in May 2024 showed Busselton welcomed 895,000 visitors staying a total of 3.44 million nights across the City.

Figures also indicated visitors spent an average of $936 per trip, with an average daily spend of $244 per visitor totalling $838 million per year.

“We look forward to continuing to share Busselton’s unique offering with visitors as the region’s enviable tourism and event offerings go from strength to strength, and as town centre developments progress,” Ms Kearney said.

Mayor Cronin thanked the MRBTA for its vision and passion to the region, “as well as the high level of service it provides to the tourism industry”.

“I also congratulate MRBTA for its successful nomination for the 7News Top Tourism Town Awards that resulted in Busselton being named WA Top Tourism Town for 2024. Now a finalist in the national awards that will be announced next month.”