19 August 2024 | The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed news that the WA Government’s strategy to bring major events to WA is working, with $104.9 million injected into the economy last financial year thanks to Coldplay, WWE and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches.
Data collected by the AHA(WA) shows that hotel occupancy rates during these drawcard events increased significantly, providing a positive boost to the accommodation and hospitality sector.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the government’s plan to make WA a major events destination was delivering. In May 2024, Perth had the highest occupancy rate for any Australian capital city at 77.3 per cent, an 11.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
“Having a diversified schedule of events promotes WA to a wide range of audiences and draws visitors from around the country and the world, reflected in the higher occupancy of our hotels and spending in our pubs, bars and restaurants,” Mr Woods said.
“Whether it’s Coldplay performing two sellout shows to more than 125,000 people at Optus Stadium or the wrestling bonanza WWE Elimination Chamber attracting more than 52,000 in-person fans and up to a billion more watching on TV, these types of events showcase Western Australia to the world and raise awareness of everything it has to offer,” said Mr Woods.
“This strategy drives tourism and has positive knock-on effects for hospitality jobs, licensed venues and the local economy.”
Hotel occupancy rates in Perth for the weekend of the WWE event on 24 February 2024 was up by 8.2% on the previous year to 93.1%, while during the Coldplay concerts in November 2023 the average occupancy rate was 87%.
Mr Woods said the past weekend’s blockbuster events – the Wallabies versus Springboks rugby at Optus Stadium and the mixed martial arts event UFC305 at RAC Arena – would continue to position Western Australia as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment.
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For more information, please contact Kim Forrester, media and communications executive, on mobile 0411 777 593 or email: mecom@ahawa.asn.au
The AHA(WA) is the authoritative voice for the hospitality and accommodation industry in Western Australia. Since 1892, we have protected and developed the interests of our members, through strong representation and the pursuit of industry excellence. Our mission is to ensure the hospitality industry remains a vital part of the Australian way of life and to amplify the voices of those we represent.
