More than 20 hospitality management students have developed a series of new tourism concepts for Pemberton, ranging from luxury forest cabins and treehouse-style stays to wellness experiences inspired by the region’s timber heritage.
The Curtin University students spent three days working with the Pemberton Visitor Centre, developing nature-based accommodation ideas designed to attract visitors while reflecting the region’s environment and local character.
Among the concepts was The Timber Retreat, combining contemporary accommodation with Pemberton’s timber heritage and nature-based wellness experiences.
Karriage Cabins proposed elevated treehouse-style accommodation with a self-guided forest bathing trail, while Karri Waters Retreat included a wellness focus, floating restaurant and night-time forest walk.
Professor Michael Volgger, from Curtin University’s School of Management and Marketing, said the project gave students an opportunity to work on a real regional tourism challenge.
“We wanted students to think about how tourism can create something distinctive for Pemberton while respecting the environment and the character of the region,” Professor Volgger said.
“The ideas they developed show the potential to create new experiences around nature, wellness and local heritage.”
Students presented their proposals to local tourism stakeholders, giving them direct feedback while providing the industry with new perspectives on future visitor experiences.
Graeme Dearle, Pemberton Visitor Centre President, said the students had focused on the qualities that distinguish the destination.
“Their ideas give us a fresh perspective on what the future of tourism in Pemberton could look like,” Mr Dearle said.
The project formed part of Curtin’s TOUR3002 Hospitality Management unit and was designed to connect classroom learning with practical regional tourism development.
