Longer licences for tourism operators to boost sustainable travel in WA’s National Parks

Tourism operators in Western Australia will soon benefit from extended operating licences of up to 20 years, under a new initiative announced by the State Government. The move aims to support tourism businesses that meet best practice standards in sustainability, accessibility, and quality visitor experiences within the state’s national parks and reserves.

The reform, which doubles the current 10-year maximum term, is designed to give nature-based tourism operators the long-term certainty needed to invest confidently in environmentally responsible infrastructure, such as low-emissions vehicles, accessible facilities, and culturally inclusive experiences.

The licence extensions are part of a broader strategy that includes a current trial waiver of annual licence fees, helping to reduce operating costs for businesses while encouraging further investment in regional and park-based tourism.

The initiative also marks a new partnership between the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Tourism Council WA. Together, they will assess and recognise licenced operators who meet sustainability benchmarks with a newly introduced National Parks Sustainable Tourism Brand. The badge will serve as an official mark of quality and compliance, promoting operators as responsible and accredited providers.

Tourism Council WA will provide complimentary assessments to its Sustainable Tourism Accredited Businesses, helping them evaluate and improve their operations in areas such as accessibility, emissions reduction, and cultural inclusion.

State Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said, “Licenced operators guide visitors through world-class nature-based experiences across our national and marine parks. Through this new partnership, Parks and Wildlife Service and tourism operators will work hand-in-hand to maintain environmental standards and sustainable visitation.”

Tourism Minister Reece Whitby noted that the changes would be particularly impactful in regional areas. “Longer licences and the current fee waiver will help tourism operators create and sustain new nature-based tourism experiences that are the lifeblood of regional tourism,” he said.

WAITOC CEO Robert Taylor highlighted the benefits for Aboriginal tourism providers, saying, “Providing licence certainty and fee relief assists Aboriginal tourism businesses to create world-class cultural tourism experiences and invest in international marketing.”

Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall welcomed the announcement, emphasising the importance of stability for operators. “Tourism operators looking to invest in accessibility equipment, low emissions vehicles, and employing staff need certainty that longer licences provide,” he said.

The Cook Government’s latest announcement signals a clear commitment to growing a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving nature-based tourism sector in Western Australia, with benefits set to flow into local communities and the broader visitor economy.