BROOME WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL TOURISM INVESTMENT POTENTIAL FOUNDED ON UNIQUE KIMBERLEY STYLE

Written on the 1 December 2016

Yawuru Chief Executive Peter Yu says "the combination of Aboriginal culture, stunning natural environment and unique multicultural history are critical competitive advantages to the Broome region's future economic growth."

That view was reinforced last weekend with a flying visit to Broome and the Dampier Peninsular by one of Egypt's wealthiest business men Naguib Sawiris. Mr Sawaris heads up a company with global interests in telecommunications, mining and tourism.

Known for his creative approach to doing business with communities all over the world, Mr Sawaris is exploring the potential to invest in a different sort of tourism venture in northern Australia.

His weekend included a helicopter ride along the Dampier coastline, organised by the Kimberley Land Council, exploring Broome and a dinner meeting  with Peter Yu and Di Appleby from Yawuru and Peter Taylor, President of the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Both Peter Yu and Peter Taylor were impressed with Mr Sawaris' tourism vision.

Mr Yu said "his focus is not about a conventional resort, but a development sympathetic to the landscape and cultural assets that Broome offers and the potential for an international attraction.  Other than the colours of Broome, he was quite taken with the thought of preserving Aboriginal culture and celebrating the natural assets of Broome and the surrounding country."

Peter Taylor said "it's encouraging to see that international investors are recognising the unique values that the Kimberley can offer. Key stakeholders in Broome are working collaboratively to attract the best investment for the region. Investors such as Mr Sawiris have faith in our ability to meet international expectations at the same time as preserving our unique heritage and culture."

Peter Taylor added "This is a huge opportunity for the Broome community. Mr Sawiris's confidence in the potential of Broome is a reminder that Broome can be an attractive place to live and invest for the long term."

Source: NBY release