Tourism champion set to be recognised

After a long absence, Lord Alistair McAlpine will return to Broome this week to be formally recognised by the town for his part in putting it on the tourist map.

The British Lord will fly into Broome this Saturday, March 17.

A major event on his itinerary will be a ceremony at Pearl Luggers, where the Broome Shire Council will acknowledge Lord McAlpine’s contribution to the town by bestowing on him the honour of Freeman of the Municipality.

Widely credited with reinvigorating what had been a sleepy, outback pearling town and helping it become a must-see tourist destination, McAlpine strongly

believed in Broome’s tourism potential.

The former treasurer and deputy chairman of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative Party signed contracts for land on the back of a beer mat at the pub, purchasing what have become iconic buildings and supporting indigenous projects.

“Like lots of people who went to Broome, I returned and returned and returned,” he said.