Opening of Palm Grove Caravan Park Resort

9/8/96

A $2.8 million caravan park with a difference was opened by Tourism Minister Norman Moore in Broome today.

Speaking at the opening of the Palm Grove Caravan Park Resort, Mr Moore said the development was more than just a caravan park.

"Palm Grove will offer a range of quality accommodation for a diversity of customers. When finished, the resort will have 70 cabins, 100 caravan sites, 40 camping areas and backpacker accommodation," he said.

"By diversifying into other types of accommodation the owners have seized on a very worthwhile investment opportunity while providing travellers with a variety of options.

"The resort will provide Broome with much needed quality accommodation which will keep tourists in town longer."

Mr Moore said a steady increase in occupancy rates in Broome from around 29 per cent in the early nineties to about 51 per cent in 1994-95 indicated a growing need for this type of accommodation in the area.

Last year, caravan parks were the most popular choice for the area's 206,000 visitors. More importantly, a large number of these travelled during the 'shoulder' periods of May and October.

The Minister said that caravan parks were the preferred accommodation choice for travellers to Broome indicating that developments such as Palm Grove were also good investments.

"The Kimberley region is attracting more and more visitors both from within the State and from outside," he said.

"This rising demand, matched with increased facilities such as this new caravan park will put the tourism industry in the region in good stead."

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595