A PERTH hills holiday destination is set to expand after successfully receiving funding under a new tourism initiative from the Cook Labor government.

Bickley Tree Stay, a partially off-grid site nestled in the heart of the Perth Hills wine region, has been confirmed as one of a number of recipients of the inaugural ‘Unique tourist accommodation proposals’ (UTAP) program.

Established by the Cook government through Tourism WA, the program aims to increase the density and diversity of visitor accommodation options in and around Western Australia’s key tourist destinations.

Bickley Tree Stay was one of several recipients across WA’s tourism hotspots announced on October 1.

The owners of the Perth Hills holiday accommodation Annie Jones and her partner Paul Kalugins expressed their enthusiasm for the future development, and the state’s commitment to local tourism.

“We were confused at first after we got a phone call from a private number,” she said.

“Then they said congratulations, you’ve got the grant.

“We were very excited… we have so many plans to improve this place.”

The funding provides a crucial boost for the couple, who only took over the business after seeing its potential, transforming the former bed and breakfast into the current Airbnb operation.

The grant application process itself was a last-minute effort according to Ms Jones.

“A month before the grant application expired… I was told about (it), which was due for submission in early May,” she said.

“I ended up putting the application in two days before the closing date and had to wait about three-and-a-half months for the results.

“I had actually given up hope and was already working on a Plan B using our own resources.”

The couple are optimistic that the funding will provide a much-needed boost to local businesses and attractions.

“It gives people in the community like us the opportunity to grow our small business and increase the amount of people that come up to stay.”

For Bickley Tree Stay, the funding will facilitate the early planning stages for three new glamping tents, and contribute to a diverse conduit of tourism accommodation options across WA.

“The money is set aside for things like fire ratings, and flora and fauna studies,” Mr Kalugins said.

“We want to be very low impact to the environment and be self-sustained.”

The new glamping tents will be designed with sustainability as a priority, according to the couple.

This design includes individual solar panels and their own water tanks for rainwater collection, complementing the existing guesthouse’s use of eco-friendly products.

The couple sees the expansion as vital for capitalising on the area’s growth.

“There’s not much accommodation up in the hills and it’s becoming a wine region,” Mr Kalugins said.

“We’ve got wineries, a gin distillery up the road, and a couple of little local restaurants.

“The area certainly has the potential.”

Tourism Minister Rheece Whitby highlighted what the program will do for Western Australian tourism.

“This program is an exciting step forward for Western Australia’s tourism industry, with 17 innovative projects supported to progress planning and approval stages to create a pipeline of exciting new accommodation choices for visitors,” he said.

“The program is about diversifying the state’s economic strategy and unlocking opportunities in some of our most iconic locations, ensuring visitors have an unforgettable stay and engage with everything WA has to offer.”