Carnarvon, a small town 900 kilometres north of Perth, is facing significant challenges as it prepares to host the WA Tourism Conference. For locals, the event holds promise, but there are fears it may come too late to benefit businesses that have struggled for years.

Local Businesses Feeling Sidelined

Jo Bumbak, who runs a shop in Carnarvon, expresses mixed feelings about the conference. She believes it might be beneficial but is skeptical due to the high ticket prices, which range from $695 to $1,390. Many local business owners, still recovering from a three-year tourism drought compounded by natural disasters, find these costs overwhelming.

“How can I attend the tourism conference when I’m struggling to keep my business afloat?” Bumbak questioned. She admitted that the stormy past few years, including challenges like Cyclone Narelle, severely affected her sales. As local roads flooded, the number of tourists visiting dropped by about 70 percent since March.

Scott Clarke, who owns a local tackle shop, shared similar concerns. He felt overwhelmed and under-resourced to engage meaningfully with the conference planning. “It would have been great to include more local businesses in events that represent our community,” he remarked. Instead, many feel excluded from a significant opportunity that could showcase their region.

Resource Scarcity Hinders Participation

The presence of local businesses in conference planning has been limited. Although Shire of Carnarvon executive manager, Stephanie Leca, mentioned that about 20 local businesses were involved, many others did not have the means or time to participate fully. As Clarke noted, local shops are facing major financial stress, and attending meetings or events that lead to greater involvement has been a challenge.

Leca acknowledged these difficulties, attributing them to high operational costs alongside the pressures of recovering from the cyclone. “Yes, we discounted tickets, but it’s still tough for many local businesses,” she said. With ticket prices remaining high and commitments increasing, many business owners are left to manage their shops while still wanting the exposure this conference could bring.

Will the Conference Deliver Results?

Despite the high costs and limited participation, there is hope that the conference will highlight Carnarvon’s tourism potential. The goal is to attract industry representatives who can help promote the town. Bumbak hopes that attendees will leave with a genuine interest in spreading the word about what Carnarvon has to offer.

Another opportunity for local businesses to connect is on the final night of the conference, which is open to the public. Leca sees this as a chance for those who couldn’t participate earlier to network with delegates and exchange ideas. “We want this conference to elevate Carnarvon’s profile, helping transform it into more than just a travel pit stop,” she stated.

While local businesses experience scarcity of resources, there is a faint optimism that the conference might pave the way for future growth. Local entrepreneurs are counting on the event to draw lasting attention to their region, even if finances keep them from full participation.

What this means for you

For those navigating challenges similar to those faced by Carnarvon’s businesses, it’s essential to seek opportunities for community support and collaboration. If you ever need to review ticket terms or conditions related to events, AI legalese decoder can translate it into plain English in seconds. Understanding legal documents can empower you to make informed decisions and participate more actively in opportunities that matter most to you.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-17/carnarvon-tourist-operators-call-for-more-opportunities/106675912