Nine regional Aboriginal events will receive funding invested to help stimulate tourism and economies in key regions across Western Australia.

The Indigenous tourism recipients were among 73 events given a total of $1.2 million in funding via the state's Regional Events Scheme.

Sixteen new events were among recipients of the tourism grants between $5000 and $40,000 to support smaller and developing regional events attract new visitors and stimulate the economies of WA's five tourism regions, which encompass Peel, the South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt, Mid-West, Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, Pilbara and Kimberley.

One of the nine Aboriginal tourism recipients in the latest round was SKUTTA, an event that unites local creatives in Kimberley with Aboriginal communities to present a runway and performance event.

Indigenous tourism events that benefited from the RES funding last year included the Mowanjum Festival in Derby, the massive A Taste of Broome Festival, this weekend's Red Country Music Festival in Karratha and Iwarra Wilungga - which translates to 'Spring by the Sea' in Wilunyu language - an event that has not only shone a light on Aboriginal culture but raised awareness of mental health and support services available locally.

Some of the new 16 RES recipients for 2024-25 include the Ningaloo Sky Festival, which highlights the Gascoyne's dark-sky tourism, the Kalbarri Skywalk Dining Event, a dining and cultural experience along WA's 'Coral Coast', and agritourism showcase the Harvey Harvest Festival, a celebration of local produce and cultural experiences.

Other notable new events the government hopes will increase visitation to regional communities include Dam to Dam, an established dinghy racing event along the Ord River in the Kimberley, and the sumptous-soundind Smokin' Barrel Fest, a BBQ cooking competition and music festival in the Chapman Valley.

WA Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the 73 regional events added unique elements to the state's jam-packed events calendar.

"These dynamic events - such as dinghy racing - are essential to attracting visitors to our regions, and supporting jobs and communities," she said.

Regional development minister Don Punch said it was great to see diversity and variety in WA's regional events calendar this year.

"As well as the economic impact to our regions, these events showcase the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of our state," he said.

The next round of funding grants open in August 2024, for events between July 1 2025 and June 30 2026.

More information on the RES and RAES funding is available online.