Rio Tinto's decade of tourism support to continue

14 August 2009

Rio Tinto's new three-year $150,000 sponsorship with Australia's North West Tourism is important for tourism in the State’s North West and will promote the Warlu Way Drive Trail, a 2400 kilometre self-drive trail linking major tourism icons between Exmouth and Broome.  These include Ningaloo Reef, Karijini and Millstream National Parks, and the rock art of the Burrup Peninsula.

Both Sam Walsh, Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive, and Ian Laurance, Australia’s North West Tourism chairman, agree the Warlu Way is a catalyst for not only promoting the attractions of the region, but also encouraging further development of the tourism industry, as well as providing vital opportunities for new Aboriginal tourism businesses.

Preparations are also underway for the inaugural Warlu Way tourism Conference, being held on September 2 and 3 in Karratha. The conference is expected to promote the Warlu Way, as well as providing motivational and practical assistance in developing tourism in the Pilbara.

Rio Tinto is proud to be the major sponsor of the Warlu Way Conference.