Grants up to $100,000 to support critical early-stage development of unique accommodation concepts by Western Australian tourism operators, bringing projects closer to construction and operation.
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What is the Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals?
The Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals (UTAP) program provides funding to help Western Australian tourism operators and developers bring distinctive accommodation projects to life.
Funding is specifically available to support the critical early-stage work — such as site surveys, environmental assessments, master planning, and Traditional Owner engagement — that will move unique accommodation concepts closer to construction and operation.
Tourism WA’s goal through this program is to assist projects that will create memorable visitor experiences, enhance tourism in and around national parks and conservation areas, and fill important market gaps in WA’s tourism landscape.
Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals level of support
- Minimum amount: No minimum specified.
- Maximum amount: Up to $100,000
Co-contribution:
Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity to deliver the project, but no mandatory co-contribution percentage is specified. However, evidence of private capital investment is required.
Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals important dates
- Applications Close: Friday, 2 May 2025.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals objectives
The Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals (UTAP) WA program aims to:
- Expedite the planning and development of uniquetouristaccommodation.
- Support sustainablevisitation to Western Australia’s nationalparks, marineparks, and conservationparks.
- Address commercial gaps in the accommodation market by delivering distinctive or unconventional overnight experiences.
- Strengthen the diversity and density of WA’s tourism offerings.
- Provide technicalexpertise and casemanagement to proponents to improve project outcomes.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals support
Funding is available to undertake essential studies and assessments needed to progress unique tourist accommodation developments, such as:
- Site surveys
- Fauna and flora surveys
- Site and soil assessments
- Geotechnical reports
- Bushfire assessments
- Traditional Owner engagement
- Cultural heritage assessments
- Coastal assessments
- Hydrology studies
- Master planning
Ineligible expenditure
Funding cannot be used for:
- Capital works or construction activities
- Projects located in residential or rural residential areas
- Short-term rental accommodation, caravan parks, holiday parks, or campgrounds (unless ancillary to existing operations)
- Projects already completed or substantially commenced
- Purchase of land, plant, vehicles, or equipment
- Business operating costs (e.g., rent, utilities, marketing, staff wages)
- Projects that have received other State Government funding (except from Tourism WA or DBCA)
- Projects requiring amendments to local planning schemes
- Projects needing ongoing government funding
- Projects with strata-titled accommodation
- Projects unlikely to progress for tourism purposes
Other Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be an individual, privately-owned entity, or commercial organisation.
- Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be developing or delivering a unique tourist accommodation project primarily funded through private capital.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals assessment criteria
Eligible proposals will be assessed against the following weighted criteria:
- Demonstrated experience in developing and/or operating tourist accommodation and products. 30%
- The project’s contribution to supporting sustainable visitation to a national park, marine park, or conservation park. 20%
- The project’s ability to deliver a unique accommodation offering and fill a commercial gap in the market. 20%
- Demonstrated project funding capacity, justified assistance request, and provision of written quotations. 20%
- The contribution of Tourism WA’s support towards project delivery. 10%
How do I get the Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals?
Check Eligibility:
Ensure you are an individual, privately-owned, or commercial organisation with an ABN, developing a unique tourist accommodation project predominantly funded through private capital in Western Australia.
Prepare Supporting Documentation:
Complete the official Response Form and prepare supporting documents including two written quotes per study or assessment, proof of land tenure or permission to use the land, project concept plans or drawings (if available), and a clear justification for funding. A business case is recommended if available.
Submit Application:
Email your completed Response Form and all supporting documents to utap@westernaustralia.com before the closing date of Friday, 2 May 2025.
Await Confirmation:
Tourism WA will assess all applications against the evaluation criteria. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further clarifications or additional information.
Information to prepare for the Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals application
Make sure you have:
- Completed the Response Form.
- Provided two written quotes per study/assessment requested.
- Attached project concept plans or drawings (if available).
- Provided evidence of permission to use the land.
- Prepared clear, detailed responses addressing each of the assessment criteria.
- If available, a business case to strengthen your application.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals
Proposals must be submitted via email to <utap@westernaustralia.com>.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Unique Tourist Accommodation Proposals resources
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