Latest news with #TourismWA
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
State Government secures international vineyards showcase awards for Pair'd Margaret River in November
An international awards showcase for the world's best vineyards will take place in Margaret River this year alongside the Pair'd festival. The State Government secured the World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025 awards to be held on November 19. The awards celebrate outstanding vineyards around the world which combine 'exceptional wine, food and visitor experiences' and would wrap in an official function, a Government spokesperson said. It was hoped 'an enormous international media platform for the South West' would result, replicating in part the overseas promotion the region secured through the past Gourmet Escape. The awards were part of the '50 Best' global brand. Last year's awards did not include any local vineyards, with just two Australian locations featured in the top 50. It was the first time they would be held in Australia. The top 2024 prize was taken out by Bogedas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscal in Rioja, Spain. Tourism Minister Reece Whitby described this week's news as 'a proud moment for WA'. '(It) reflects our growing global profile as a leader in premium tourism and hospitality offerings,' he said. 'The Margaret River region's international reputation for outstanding wine, food and natural beauty makes it the ideal setting for this prestigious global event. 'Hosting these awards is a strong vote of confidence in our tourism industry and highlights the beauty of our regional destinations.' Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association chief executive Sharna Kearney applauded the move as 'a fantastic achievement'. She said the event spotlight would shine valuable attention on the region and the mix of food, wine and natural experiences already promoted through Pair'd. Margaret River Wine Association chief executive Amanda Whiteland said she was grateful for the Government and Tourism WA support. 'This is a major win for our local community,' she said. 'It will shine an international spotlight on our wine quality, stunning cellar doors, and unique wine tourism experiences while delivering a real boost to local businesses across hospitality, accommodation, transport and retail. 'With Pair'd Margaret River returning in the same week, we're set for a spectacular showcase of everything our region has to offer.' Pair'd itself would return in November as a four-day offering integrating gourmet wine and food with music, culminating in a street festival. The vineyards award winner would be determined by votes from more than 700 members of the 50 World's Best Vineyards Academy which the group described online as 'influential wine and travel experts and sommeliers, who submit their nominations based on their best vineyard experience during the voting period'. Tourism WA managing director Anneke Brown said her agency looked forward to welcoming those industry leaders and enthusiasts from around the world for the sake of showcasing the region.
7NEWS
07-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Western Australia celebrates as new NRL team is locked in
Western Australia is celebrating after premier Roger Cook revealed the state is getting a new NRL team. After the drawn-out negotiations with the Australian Rugby League Commission concluded, Cook said it was a 'great day for sports fans' while revealing the government will spend $65 million on the club. WA will splash $60 million in direct assistance to the club over seven years, with $35 million set aside to promote grassroots rugby league. Also included in the deal is $5.6 million match-day support and marketing through Tourism WA. 'Because of our strong negotiating position, the new WA-based NRL side will be chaired by a Western Australian and controlled by members, rather than a private company,' Cook said. 'The Australian Rugby League Commission has accepted our position that the Club should not be charged a license fee and that every dollar in direct financial assistance provided by the WA Government be spent in WA. 'From the beginning, we've said any deal would have to represent value for WA taxpayers and that is what we have delivered, with Acil Allen modelling indicating a significant return on investment to our economy. 'A new WA NRL club will deliver jobs and new economic activity, including a boost in tourism and visitation as the WA brand is exposed to millions across Australia and overseas.' The team could make its first appearance in the NRL in 2027 or 2028.
