Published on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 8:00:00 AM
Media Release
The Shire of Carnarvon is proud to announce that Carnarvon will host the Western Australian Tourism Conference from 25 to 27 May 2026, marking the first time the conference has been held in Carnarvon and the first time it has been hosted in the Gascoyne region.
The event is expected to bring hundreds of tourism industry leaders, operators, government representatives and destination marketing organisations to Carnarvon, providing an opportunity to showcase the region’s unique landscapes, culture, produce and hospitality.
Registrations for the conference officially opened today, 19 March, with early access provided to delegates who pre-registered their interest in conference packages. Demonstrating the strong demand and interest in the event, the first package was purchased by a delegate travelling from Sydney, highlighting the growing national interest in experiencing the Gascoyne region.
Shire President Eddie Smith said the conference was a significant milestone for the region and a major opportunity to showcase Carnarvon on a state and national stage.
“Hosting the WA Tourism Conference in Carnarvon for the first time is a huge moment for our community and for the Gascoyne region,” Cr Smith said.
“It provides an incredible opportunity to welcome tourism leaders from across Western Australia and beyond, and to showcase the landscapes, culture, food and experiences that make Carnarvon such a special destination.”
Planning for the conference has been supported by a local working group made up of tourism operators, businesses and community representatives, who have been working alongside the Shire of Carnarvon to help shape the program and ensure the event reflects the strengths and aspirations of the region.
Cr Smith said the collaboration between the Shire and local businesses has been instrumental in designing a program that will benefit the community while delivering a memorable experience for delegates.
“We’ve been fortunate to have many local businesses step forward to support the event and contribute to the working group. Their insights help us design a program that showcases the best of Carnarvon while ensuring the conference delivers meaningful outcomes for our local tourism industry.”
To further enhance the experience for visiting delegates, the Shire of Carnarvon has secured major support from Chevron and Tourism Western Australia to deliver a special event the weekend prior to the conference, delivered in partnership with Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation and Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, encouraging delegates to arrive early and explore the region.
The pre-conference weekend will feature a vibrant cultural celebration designed to showcase Carnarvon’s people, culture and landscapes, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the region beyond the conference program.
Cr Smith said the additional event will help position Carnarvon as a destination worth discovering.
“We want delegates to come early, spend time in Carnarvon and Coral Bay to experience everything our region has to offer. From our culture and heritage to our food and natural landscapes, this is a chance to share our story with the tourism industry.”
The WA Tourism Conference is the state’s premier tourism industry event, bringing together operators, government agencies, investors and industry leaders to discuss the future of tourism in Western Australia.
Further information and conference registrations are now available online at https://www.carnarvon.org.au/2026-tourism-conference.aspx
ENDS
Media Contact:
Shire of Carnarvon
(08) 9941 0000
media@carnarvon.wa.gov.au
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