6 November 2025 | Business Events Perth (BE Perth) and the Australian Hotels Association WA (AHA) today acknowledged the WA Government’s decision to discontinue work on the current proposal to redevelop the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC), while reaffirming the strength and future potential of Western Australia’s $2 billion per annum business events sector.
Chair of Business Events Perth and CEO of the Australian Hotels Association WA, Bradley Woods said: “While we are disappointed by today’s news, there remain significant opportunities to grow business events, conferences and exhibitions in WA.
“We recognise that there are many factors in play and commend the significant review and planning process which has been undertaken across public and private stakeholders, over the last four years.
“We respect the WA Government’s decision and remain focused on practical options to unlock capacity while still competing at the highest level.
“BE Perth, Western Australia’s Convention Bureau, is actively pursuing national and global business events and has identified strong support for even more capacity and additional facilities.
“We understand that planning and funding processes for major infrastructure projects evolve over time. Regardless of timelines, the business events industry remains committed to supporting Perth’s future growth and ensuring the State maintains world-class facilities to meet global demand.
“Perth and WA’s hotel industry has invested heavily in new, high-quality inventory and Perth Airport’s expansion will boost access and opportunity for WA. We must match that with the right mix of venues and facilities to win and host the world’s most prestigious meetings to sustain jobs and drive hospitality investment across the State.
“Western Australia and Perth are increasingly recognised for their impressive built environment, featuring landmarks such as Elizabeth Quay, WA Museum Boola Bardip, Crown Perth, Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, and a range of new luxury hotels, alongside unrivalled natural assets and expansive, clear skies.
“This unique combination of world-class infrastructure and natural beauty has established the region as a highly attractive destination, supporting a resilient and expanding business events market” said Mr Woods.
BE Perth and the AHA WA will work with Government, industry and community partners on practical, staged solutions that grow capacity, protect jobs, and ensure WA remains internationally competitive. Together, we can convert strong demand into secured events, visitor nights and lasting legacy outcomes for Western Australians.
Western Australia’s business events sector delivers significant year-round economic and social benefits:
- High-Yield Tourism: Business event delegates spend up to five times more than leisure tourists, benefiting WA’s hotels, restaurants, retailers, and transport providers.
- Job Creation: Events directly support jobs across a diverse ecosystem of venues, suppliers, accommodation providers, and event organisers, many of which are small businesses.
- Knowledge Exchange and Investment: Business events drive trade, foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, and attract global expertise to WA.
- Future Growth: More and improved Business Events facilities will stimulate investment in Perth’s accommodation sector, including the development of new 4 and 5-star hotels, ensuring WA remains competitive in attracting international visitors.
For further information, please contact Kim Forrester, media & communications executive, on 0411 777 593 or email mecom@ahawa.asn.au
The AHA(WA) is the authoritative voice for the hospitality and accommodation industry in Western Australia. Since 1892, we have protected and developed the interests of our members, through strong representation and the pursuit of industry excellence. Our mission is to ensure the hospitality industry remains a vital part of the Australian way of life and to amplify the voices of those we represent.
