West Australian tourism icon, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, has increased its interests in the Broome pearling industry through the acquisition of a pearling licence.

Previously, Willie Creek Pearl Farm has had access to and certain rights in relation to a pearl shell quota from Clipper Pearls. Willie Creek Pearl Farm has now acquired one of only 17 pearling licences in Western Australia together with a substantial pearl shell quota and pearl farm leases.

Clipper Pearls is part of The Autore Group, which was founded in 1991 and is one of the largest South Sea pearl companies in the world. Clipper Pearls is widely regarded as the producer of the most lustrous Australian South Sea pearls, with operations located just 10 nautical miles off the coast of Willie Creek.

“We were excited to be presented with this rare opportunity to purchase this pearl shell quota from Autore,” said Robert Banfield, co-owner of Willie Creek Pearls.

“We are confident that, with the research undertaken and practices implemented by Clipper Pearls, the Australian South Sea pearl industry will continue to hold the mantle as being able to produce the best pearls in the world.”

“The opportunity to own a fully commercial pearling licence, rather than operating a tourism pearling lease, is something we have been working towards for many years. We respect those who have contributed to Broome becoming known as the 'pearling capital of the world' and we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Broome is the destination of choice when looking to purchase pearls.”

Autore principal, Rosario Autore, said they had been working with Willie Creek Pearls for many, many years.

“Due to our longstanding relationship and their great respect for the industry, we are very pleased to see Willie Creek Pearls become a full participant within the industry in their own right” he said.

Willie Creek Pearl Farm, through their multi-award winning tour, has been educating and enlightening visitors to the Broome region on the history and modern day workings of the Australian South Sea cultured pearl industry for more than 20 years.

In 2010, Willie Creek Pearl Farm was inducted into the Western Australian Tourism Awards' Hall of Fame and has twice been awarded the coveted Sir David Brand Award for Tourism. Willie Creek Pearls and Willie Creek Pearl Farm have also been announced as finalists in three categories of the prestigious Perth Airport Western Australian Tourism Awards 2015.