How Perth hotels bounced back to lead the nation in occupancy rates
Data released by the Australian Hotels Association (WA) highlights a year of thriving tourism, driven by strategic investments and a revitalised events calendar
Western Australia’s hospitality and tourism industries are celebrating a remarkable achievement, with Perth hotels claiming the nation’s highest occupancy rates for 2024.
Data released by the Australian Hotels Association (WA) highlights a year of thriving tourism, driven by strategic investments and a revitalised events calendar.
Perth’s post-COVID comeback
Emerging stronger from the challenges of COVID-19 lockdowns, Perth’s tourism and hospitality sectors have made an impressive recovery. Metropolitan Perth hotels recorded an average occupancy rate of 79.4 percent from January to December 2024—a 3.9 percent increase compared to 2023.
Additionally, Perth’s average daily room rate rose by 3.2 percent to $227.31, demonstrating strong demand and the ability of hotels to command higher room rates.
Before COVID-19, Perth maintained a healthy occupancy rate of 75 percent in 2019. However, the pandemic caused rates to drop sharply to 45 percent in 2020, reflecting the strain on the hospitality industry. By 2021, Perth had begun to recover, reaching 94 percent of pre-pandemic occupancy levels. This momentum continued through 2023, with rates surpassing 2019 figures and leading to record-breaking performance in 2024.
Regional growth shines
It’s not just Perth seeing growth. Regional hotspots like the Kimberley and Pilbara experienced a 13.5 percent jump in occupancy, while Bunbury and Mandurah saw a 10 percent rise. These results demonstrate a statewide resurgence, showcasing Western Australia’s growing appeal to domestic and international travellers.
Investment fuels success
Bradley Woods, CEO of AHA(WA), credits the increase in visitation to several key strategic investments the WA Government has made in the sector, including new and more frequent aviation routes, a commitment to attracting major events, 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,” said Mr Woods.
“This is reflected in the higher occupancy of our hotels and which results in increased spending in pubs, bars and restaurants.”
Roadmap to recovery
The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for Perth’s accommodation and tourism industries, but targeted initiatives have supported a strong recovery. Investments in tourism infrastructure, such as the expansion of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the attraction of marquee events, have cemented WA’s reputation as a global destination.
“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.
Road ahead
Looking forward, the AHA(WA) plans to work closely with the WA Government to maintain this momentum. Continued support for events, corporate travel, and leisure tourism will ensure Western Australia remains at the forefront of the nation’s hospitality and tourism industries.
For accommodation and tourism businesses, these trends present an opportunity to capitalise on WA’s growing popularity. Emerging stronger from COVID-19, the state is now setting new standards for innovation, growth, and resilience in Australia’s tourism landscape.
