The Perth Royal Show, a cornerstone event for connecting urban populations with the state’s agricultural sector, is underway with significant support from the Cook Government. For agritourism operators, the event provides a critical platform for industry-wide promotion and offers a new funding opportunity through the announcement of grants for affiliated Agricultural Societies.

Direct Support and Industry Promotion

The government’s support for the show includes a $2.2 million investment to provide half-price tickets for children, students, and concession card holders, a measure aimed at making the event more accessible for families. This focus on family attendance presents an invaluable opportunity for the agricultural sector to engage with the next generation of consumers.

The show’s core theme is the celebration of agriculture, bringing “farm-to-city fun” to the Claremont Showground. This aligns directly with the mission of WAAA’s members, who work year-round to provide authentic farm experiences. New attractions for this year include a ‘Smart Farms AgTech discovery zone’, highlighting innovation in the sector.

In a statement, Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis emphasised the show’s role in promoting the industry.

“Perth Royal is an incredible celebration of our regional communities and industries and puts the spotlight on our world-leading agriculture sector,” she said. “I hope many WA families can experience the joy of the show this year and learn a little bit about our vibrant ag sector while they are at it.”

New Grant Opportunities for Regional Organisations

Of particular importance to regional operators is the announcement of a further $600,000 investment to provide $10,000 grants for affiliated Agricultural Societies and organisations to host events in 2026. This funding, delivered through the WA Agricultural Show Grants Program, presents a direct opportunity for regional bodies that support agritourism to secure financial assistance for their own local shows and events, which are often vital for driving regional tourism and community engagement.

The combination of a high-profile metropolitan showcase and tangible financial support for regional event organisers makes this year’s Perth Royal Show a significant event for the entire agritourism industry.

Words by:

Andy Burns

Andy Burns is a driving force in the Western Australian tourism industry, currently serving as Vice-President of the WAAA. He’s the Founder of Scott Aussie Tourism Marketing, a South West WA-based agency specialising in helping tourism businesses thrive in the digital age. Scott Aussie offers a full range of marketing services, from strategic planning and branding to content creation, social media management, and AI-powered solutions. Andy’s deep understanding of the tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in destination marketing and community engagement, makes him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and trainer. He’s a regular presenter at industry conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to the future of tourism. Andy is also a member of the Manjimup Tourist Bureau and a Councillor at the Shire of Manjimup. His previous leadership roles include six years on the board of Tourism Rockingham and five years as Chair of a Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) advisory committee.