Pilbara hotel accommodation under review

The Pilbara Development Commission is concerned the mining industry's monopoly on hotel accommodation is holding back tourism in the region.

It has brought in consultants to look at the current state of short-stay accommodation in the region and what can be done to free-up hotel and motel rooms for tourists.

Commission CEO Stephen Webster says the long-term aim is to build up the Pilbara tourism industry to reduce the region's dependence on iron ore.

He says getting the right mix of accommodation is an important part of that.

"The Pilbara as a tourism destination has a huge amount of potential," he said.

"At the moment that potential is very difficult to actuate because of accommodation.

"For people to come to the region and find accommodation is difficult and for people to find the right mix of accommodation is even more difficult.

"We're extremely enthusiastic about economic diversification, particularly tourism is one that's often considered.