- Expressions of interest open for businesses to operate on Rottnest Island for summer 2024-25
- Focus on new recreational and hospitality experiences, with opportunities for a pop-up in the Settlement and a water park or water activities at North Thomson Bay
- Follows a big December-January period on the island, with 221,000 visitors
Rottnest Island continues to go from strength to strength, with a bumper December-January period of 221,000 visitors, which closes out another huge year of nearly 800,000 visitors by ferry in 2023.
It comes as the island starts preparing for summer 2024-25, with expressions of interest (EOI) now open for experienced operators to bring exciting new recreational businesses to the holiday hot spot.
Last year’s recreational offerings as part of this EOI included parasailing, scenic flights, pop-up eateries, a water taxi and holiday care for children.
The 2024 Recreational EOI application outlines four key categories:
- recreational activities and experiences;
- Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences;
- Peak season pop-up at the Heritage Common; and
- water park/activities at North Thomson Bay.
Further information on the EOI process is available at https://ria.wa.gov.au/
Applications close at 4pm AWST, 1 May 2024.
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The increase in direct flights from South East Asia to Perth has positioned Western Australia as the western gateway to Australia, and tourists are choosing Rottnest Island as a destination of choice to holiday and stay.”
“It’s been a really successful summer for visitors and particularly with the range of recreational activities that we’ve had on offer, including parasailing, scenic flights, water taxis and pop-up eateries.
“We now put our attention towards getting ready for next summer, which we’re expecting to be another bumper year and having this EOI open now is another fantastic opportunity for local businesses and for the island to expand on its range of existing offerings.”
