Timely boost for travel industry
AUSTRALIA’S embattled travel industry is set to receive a significant boost to keep its struggling industry afloat as international borders remain shut.
The federal government announced an additional $130m for the sector on Sunday, which has been decimated as a result of the pandemic.
Before 2020, domestic tourism made up approximately 77 per cent of tourism spend and brought in $107bn to the local economy.
The industry had been demanding further support with the ending of JobKeeper and has since received around $258m in support grants, intargeted
cluding a half-price flights initiative.
Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said the latest round would provide further support for eligible agents.
“We have been working with industry associations to ensure the delivery of effective and efficient support packages to those industries impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19,” Mr Tehan said. “The best thing the government can do for our tourism businesses is to get tourists back spending money.”
About 3000 travel agents have received support under the scheme so far.
Under the latest round, eligible travel agents and tour operators who have received a payment under round one, may be entitled to a second payment ranging between $7500 and $100,000.
The industry may need further support for some time, as instability around Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine and international travel continues to pose an issue.