TOURISM FUNDS FOR RED CENTRE

Alice Springs to share in millions in federal budget splurge

TOURIST hot spots in regional Australia hard hit by coronavirus will receive a multi-million-dollar boost as part of a federal government plan to entice Aussies to holiday at home.

As state borders begin to reopen, the Sunday Territorian can reveal next month’s budget will include $100m to upgrade camping grounds, visitor centres and tourist attractions such as walking tracks, in an effort to boost jobs in regional areas and prop-up struggling economies.

Nine tourism regions heavily reliant on international tourists will also share $50m to spend on marketing and festivals to entice would-be international travellers to holiday at home.

The areas earmarked for cash include Alice Springs, the NSW North Coast, Tropical North Queensland and Phillip Island in Victoria.

New data provided to the Sunday Territorian reveals the nine regions normally attract more than three million international tourists each year who spend almost $5bn.

With international borders to remain closed for the rest of the year, Alice Springs — which normally attracts 265,000 international tourists who spend more than $240m — will be able to use the money to lure domestic tourists.

An additional $100m will also be poured into the Building Better Regions Fund for broader regional infrastructure upgrades, including streetscapes, shopping precincts and regional sporting facilities.

The federal government estimates the extra cash will supports more than 300,000 jobs in regional Australia, including about 2000 in the Northern Territory.

Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said tourism hot spots had been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the budget cash would help them attract more Australians until international borders reopen.

“Decisions to close our international borders has been critical in the fight against COVID-19, however it has meant tourism regions and operators who are reliant on international visitors continue to do it incredibly tough,” Senator Birmingham said.

“Getting more Australians travelling to places that are usually enjoyed by our international visitors will help to save the jobs and businesses of our fellow Australians.”

He said the money would also ensure popular tourism regions were in “the best possible shape” on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.