Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, an iconic landmark in the Coral Coast tourism industry, is making a greater contribution to the regional economy around Exmouth with the help of a TQUAL Grant of $100,000.
The funding from the Australian Government has enabled Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef to acquire new tents and boardwalks, thereby reducing the human impact on the dunes and attracting higher-spending visitors to the region.
“The National Long-Term Tourism Strategy is about strengthening the supply side of our industry and the project we’re launching today exemplifies this theme,” said the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP.
“Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef is investing in quality tourism experiences and attracting a lucrative niche market.
“By doing so, it’s increasing the value of the local tourism industry and adding to the region’s prosperity.
“More than 850,000 visitors came to the Coral Coast region last financial year. Between them, they spent nearly $400 million.
“Visitor spending sustains more than 1,600 businesses in the Coral Coast region which rely on tourism. And nearly half of those employ fewer than 20 people, which makes tourism an integral part of this region’s small business sector.
“Local suppliers in Exmouth, in particular, have benefitted from the extra trade with Sal Salis,” he said.
To date, the Australian Government has invested over $8 million in TQUAL Grants.
That financial support across Australia is bolstered by a further $40 million announced at last year’s election.
Over the next four years, TQUAL Grants will continue to assist Australian tourism businesses to bring innovative new products and services to market.
Application forms for the next round of TQUAL Grants can be found at www.ret.gov.au/tqual.