- Broome to host 45th annual Shinju Matsuri, Festival of the Pearl
- New events including Sunset Long Table Dinner and Floating Lantern Matsuri
- Supported by Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, funded by Royalties for Regions
The spotlight will be on Broome this week as the town once again hosts one of its premier cultural events, the Shinju Matsuri, Festival of the Pearl.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the 45th annual festival would highlight Broome's rich cultural diversity, unique pearling history and extraordinary natural beauty.
"There are two new events this year: the Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach and the Floating Lantern Matsuri, which encourages people to create lanterns during the festival week and set them afloat in honour of loved ones passed," he said.
"The festival continues to raise the bar each year, helping to not only promote the town but also the greater Kimberley region as an extraordinary tourism destination."
Shinju Matsuri is proudly supported by the State Government through Tourism WA's Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions.
Dr Hames said regional events played an important role in the State Government's strategy to increase the value of tourism to $12 billion by 2020.
"Tourism is vital for regional Western Australia. In 2014, total visitor spend in the State was $8.6 billion, $3.8 billion of which was spent in the regions," he said.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said he was pleased to see Royalties for Regions invest in positioning regional WA as a recognised tourism destination.
"Tourism has a strong influence on regional development, delivering significant economic, social and cultural benefits to local communities," Mr Redman said.
"Shinju Matsuri is a well-known and loved regional event that adds vibrancy to the town, ignites a real sense of community pride and supports local businesses."
Fact File
- Shinju Matsuri will be held from August 28-September 6, 2015
- Lanterns for the Lantern Matsuri to be launched from Cable Beach
- Lantern packs cost $10 and will be available from the information booth at the festival
- For more information, visit http://www.shinjumatsuri.com.au/
- For more information on Royalties for Regions, visit http://biggerpicture.regions.wa.gov.au
Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5300
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
