Local tourism book likely as more people plan to holiday at home amid uncertainty surrounding US-Iran war

The local tourism industry could get a surprise boost out of the Middle East conflict, with new polling suggesting Western Australians are already planning to holiday at home instead of risking flight disruptions. A survey by the Tourism Council WA found 51 per cent of respondents are more likely to travel within the State, and 41 per cent said they were less likely to head overseas as a result of the global uncertainty. The poll of 750 people was conducted last week, as uncertainty escalated over how long the USA and Israel are prepared to continue their bombing campaign in Iran. Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said bookings are already higher for the school holidays, and urged people to beat the rush and book direct. “By booking early and outside of school holidays, you can confidently enjoy a holiday while providing businesses the confidence to recruit additional staff, stock up on supplies, and offer more services to guests,” he said. But he warned the industry won’t be able to make the most of the local interest if fuel supplies run low. “Assurances of adequate fuel supplies from the Federal and WA Governments are maintaining consumer confidence in Easter travel plans,” Mr Hall said. “The State Government should prioritise regional roadhouses and petrol stations on holiday travel routes to prepare for the usual influx of travellers during the Easter school holidays.” International visitors typically stay longer and spend more, and had appeared to return to pre-Covid levels with the Cook Government celebrating one million overseas arrivals in the 12 months to October. But budget conscious domestic tourists “likely driven by cost-of-living pressures” were partly blamed for a drop in visitor spending, according to Tourism WA’s latest annual report. A total of $17.2 billion spent in 2024 was $500 million less than the previous year and $1.3 billion short of the KPI target. Tourism is the State’s fifth largest employer.