In 2026, Perth will welcome The Hotel School, Australia’s longest-standing University hotel management provider, offering programs in Hotel Management, Tourism, Hospitality, and Events for more than 30 years. Known for its industry-aligned curriculum and strong ties to the global tourism and hospitality sector, The Hotel School’s expansion into Western Australia (WA) marks a significant development for the state in these growing sectors.
To explore what this means for students and the broader Perth community, we spoke to Professor Erica Wilson, Dean of The Hotel School and a leading scholar in tourism, about the evolving opportunities in Perth’s vibrant and welcoming environment.
From employment prospects to lifestyle advantages, Professor Wilson shares insights into why Perth is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and international students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism. 
Hotel and Tourism Industry Opportunities
The Hotel School in Perth enhances the city’s reputation as a hub for hospitality and tourism
“The arrival of The Hotel School in Perth reflects the city’s reputation as a premier hub for hospitality and tourism,” explained Professor Wilson. “The Hotel School already has campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and so a new campus in Perth is a natural and really exciting progression for us. This strategic expansion reflects growing confidence in Perth’s strong hospitality and tourism sector, which is growing, both nationally and internationally,” she said.
Perth already enjoys a strong reputation for its welcoming attitude, which is consistently praised by visitors and industry professionals. The city’s appeal goes beyond its laid-back lifestyle, world-class beaches, and renowned wineries and extends to its capacity to host major conferences, festivals and sporting events. This makes Perth not only a desirable destination but also an ideal environment for students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism.
By establishing a presence in Perth, The Hotel School brings with it a legacy of academic excellence and industry integration, offering students access to high-quality education, practical training, and global career pathways.
Destination Perth CEO Sonja Mitchell welcomed the arrival of The Hotel School in the city, highlighting its significance for the city’s hospitality and tourism sector. “The launch of The Hotel School’s Perth campus marks an exciting chapter for our bountiful destination. It is a testament to the vibrant hospitality culture that’s woven through our city, and the bustling tourism sector that provides an ideal platform for students looking to pursue a meaningful career,” she said.
Why Perth is an ideal location for students starting a career in hotel management
Perth is not only an exciting place to study but an ideal destination for hospitality, tourism and event management students. With many big events planned for the city, students are ideally placed to take advantage of employment opportunities that could fast-track their careers.
In an October 2025 media release, “Australian Hotels Association Hails Record-Breaking WA Tourism”, the Australian Hotels Association (WA) celebrated powerful new tourism results from the Commonwealth Government’s Tourism Research Australia, including the latest International Visitor Survey and Domestic Tourism Statistics for the year ending June 2025, which show Western Australia surging on the domestic and international stage.
These results confirm WA is converting global demand into real economic gains for local businesses, jobs and communities. “Perth is the engine of WA’s international performance. Our hotels are delivering world-class service, and the city’s dining, events and cultural scene is clearly hitting the mark,” AHA(WA) CEO Mr Woods said in the release.
Large venues like the Optus Stadium have had an impact on the tourism economy, creating significant job opportunities for students. Highlight events planned for Perth include the United Cup tennis tournament, Ed Sheeran’s stadium concerts, the Perth Festival, and key industry gatherings like the WA Major Projects Conference, AusMedtech, as well as the opening match of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 .
“This makes Perth an exceptional launchpad for The Hotel School students, offering real-world experience and career-building opportunities right at the heart of a thriving global events destination,” said Professor Wilson.
WA’s Unique COVID Experience and Industry Resilience
The decision to open a new campus in Perth is more than just geographical expansion, it’s a strategic move that aligns with Western Australia’s unique strengths and opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
This strategic campus expansion choice isn’t just about location; it’s about tapping into a region that embodies the key quality our industry values: an unwavering commitment to hospitality excellence. Fremantle, affectionately known as ‘Freo,’ exemplifies this spirit as Perth’s historic heart and Australia’s Top Tourism Town.
One of the standout aspects of WA is its resilience and adaptability, which was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. While other states faced prolonged lockdowns and restrictions, WA maintained a relatively normal lifestyle. Residents embraced local exploration, often trading flights for four-wheel drive excursions to discover the vast and diverse landscapes of their own state. This shift not only sustained the tourism industry but also deepened the domestic market’s appreciation for WA’s natural beauty and hospitality offerings.
WA’s economy is also bolstered by powerhouse industries like mining, which have a direct impact on hospitality employment. Mining operations across the state require skilled professionals in food and beverage management, accommodation, housekeeping, and catering services. These are roles that are central to the training offered at The Hotel School. This creates a strong pipeline of career opportunities for graduates within the state itself.
Perth’s proximity to Asia positions it as a key gateway for international business travel. Luxury hotels, such as The Ritz-Carlton, host guests who combine business with leisure, sometimes bringing their families to stay for extended periods. This trend underscores the demand for high-quality hospitality services and professionals who can cater to both corporate and family needs.
With its unique blend of lifestyle, economic opportunity, and international connectivity, Perth offers an ideal environment for students pursuing careers in hospitality. The Hotel School’s presence in WA will not only support local industry needs but also attract talent from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
How The Hotel School ensures students are industry-ready upon graduation
The Hotel School ensures students are industry-ready upon graduation by embedding a minimum of 600 hours of industry experience directly into its degree programs, most of which are paid internships.
The Hotel School’s Professional Learning Centre (PLC) team in Perth has already established strong connections across the hospitality, tourism, and hotel sectors. These partnerships are designed to support students through internships and entry-level roles, allowing them to engage with the industry from the early stages of their studies.
These placements offer students practical experience in the industry, while they are undertaking their studies. The learning experience is closely tied to real-world practice, with opportunities for paid internships, guest lectures, site visits, international study tours, and access to a growing alumni network, all of which contribute to a well-rounded and industry-informed education.
The Hotel School’s Professor Wilson, expressed excitement about the role The Hotel School will play in Perth.
“I love visiting Perth and WA. Perth is a city that not only attracts tourists but also cultivates future leaders; our presence in the city will further strengthen its position as a centre of academic innovation and professional development in hospitality and tourism education,” said Professor Wilson.
THSA Graduates now based in Perth
Trends in Perth’s hotel and tourism industry
Tourism in Perth is thriving, especially amongst international visitors, putting demand on hotels, tours and the visitor economy in general. The latest 2025 figures from Tourism WA highlight the city’s growing appeal. In the year ending June 2025, international visitors spent $3.5 billion in WA, 44% ahead of last year and 45% ahead of 2019.
These standout results may be because Perth offers a holiday experience that stands apart from other parts of Australia. WA remains closely connected to nature and is rich in Aboriginal culture. The desert landscapes and vast open spaces give the region a distinct character, almost like stepping into another country. At the same time, Perth combines a relaxed lifestyle with a multicultural community, surrounded by natural beauty and a uniquely regional way of life.
This setting creates genuine opportunities for growth in tourism infrastructure, including accommodation, transport, and visitor services. It also supports the development of new experiences that reflect the needs of a more diverse and expanding international market.
“These developments also highlight the real demand for skilled professionals in the sector,” said Professor Wilson. “This reinforces the importance of hospitality and tourism education providers in Perth, such as The Hotel School, to support the sector’s continued growth and global competitiveness.”
Internship Opportunities in Perth
Opportunities for internships in Perth’s hospitality and tourism sectors
All students at The Hotel School in Perth, both domestic and international, benefit from a unique combination of academic excellence and real-world experience in one of Australia’s fastest-growing tourism and hospitality markets.
“There’s a minimum of 600 hours of industry internships built into bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The Hotel School,” said Professor Wilson. “Students gain direct access to Perth’s thriving hotel, tourism, and events sectors.”
The Hotel School’s courses are designed by industry for industry, giving students access to guest lectures, site visits, field trips, and career mentoring. These experiences help students build skills, confidence, and connections, whether they choose to stay in Perth or take their career global.
Employment Opportunities in Perth
High demand in Perth’s hospitality and events sector
Perth’s booming tourism and events sector is driving strong demand for skilled professionals across hospitality, hotel operations, event management, and visitor services. With international visitor spending reaching $3.5 billion in the year ending June 2025 (44% higher than last year) the city is experiencing rapid growth, creating opportunities in hotels, transport, and tourism experiences.
Major events like the United Cup, Ed Sheeran’s concerts, and the Perth Festival further fuel this demand, making Perth an ideal location for students at The Hotel School to gain hands-on experience and fast-track their careers in a thriving global destination.
High-demand job roles in Perth’s hospitality and tourism sector right now, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and increasing visitor numbers. These types of roles extend beyond waitstaff, bar servers and venue managers and include tourism and events roles such as:
- Guest Service Agents in hotels and resorts who can provide an exceptional visitor experience
- Events Executives and Coordinators who can plan and manage corporate, social, and cultural events across Perth’s growing calendar
- Tour Guides, especially in WA’s fantastic and diverse cultural and nature-based tourism sector, including Aboriginal tourism experiences
- Concierge and Hospitality Support who offer high-end service roles in luxury residences and boutique hotels
The Student Experience in Western Australia
Perth’s lifestyle and community contribute to a positive student experience
Perth’s lifestyle and community play a key role in creating a positive student experience, especially for those pursuing careers in hospitality, tourism, and events.
The city offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, with stunning beaches, world-class wineries, and a strong culture of inclusivity and friendliness that makes international students feel welcome.
Perth’s active events calendar and growing tourism sector mean students are constantly surrounded by real-world opportunities, while the supportive local community and industry networks help them build meaningful connections and gain practical experience throughout their studies.
Perth’s multicultural environment enhances learning and career development in global industries like tourism and events
Perth’s multicultural environment enhances learning and career development in global industries like tourism and events by exposing students to diverse perspectives, cultures, and customer expectations. This diversity fosters cultural awareness and adaptability which are key skills for working in international hospitality settings.
Professor Wilson explains: “Students at The Hotel School benefit from engaging with a wide range of communities, languages, and traditions, both in the classroom and through their internships, preparing them to thrive in global roles and multicultural teams.”
Studying Hospitality and Tourism in Perth
The Outlook for the Tourism, Events and Hotel Management Sector in WA
Looking ahead, the WA Visitor Economy Strategy (WAVES 2033) sets a clear vision for WA to be recognised globally as a destination that continues to celebrate its unique cultures, communities, and environment. With a target of $25 billion in annual visitor spending by 2033 and a $530 million government investment over the next four years, the strategy signals strong long-term support for tourism growth and infrastructure development across the state.
This long-term investment in WA’s visitor economy directly benefits future students of The Hotel School Perth by creating more opportunities for industry engagement, practical training, and employment in a growing and well-supported tourism sector.
The long-term impact of The Hotel School’s arrival in Perth
With the arrival of The Hotel School in 2026, Perth is poised to see a long-term uplift in the quality and readiness of its hospitality and tourism workforce.
“By offering industry-designed degrees that include a minimum of 600 hours of internships, we will help cultivate a pipeline of skilled professionals equipped with real-world experience and strong industry connections,” predicts Professor Wilson. “This will not only support the sector’s continued growth but also strengthen Perth’s reputation as a centre for excellence in hospitality and tourism education.”
For those considering a visit to Perth, you can find everything from things to do, places to stay, events, dining options, and planning tips to local business listings on the Destination Perth website.
Introducing Professor Erica Wilson 
Professor Erica Wilson is Dean of The Hotel School and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Innovation) and Professor of Tourism at Southern Cross University. She has published over 90 scholarly outputs, including two co-edited books: ‘Women and Travel: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives’ and ‘Slow Tourism: Experiences and Mobilities’. Her research and scholarly interests lie in gender and tourism, sustainable tourism, and pedagogical transformation in higher education. Professor Wilson has co-led the design and implementation of the Southern Cross Model, a revolutionary approach grounded in student success, based on 6-week teaching periods.
Professor Wilson is passionate about supporting quality higher degree and early career research, and has supervised several PhDs, Masters by Research and Honours theses to successful completion.
Professor Wilson is also an executive member of the peak discipline body, the Council for Australasian University Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) and is a CAUTHE Fellow in recognition of outstanding service to the tourism, hospitality and events field.
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The Hotel School offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in hotel management, tourism, and event management, delivered in partnership with Southern Cross University. Programs combine academic excellence with industry immersion, including Work Integrated Learning and authentic assessments that prepare students for global careers in hospitality and tourism.
