Ecotourism Australia calls for return of JobKeeper to those who need it

Ecotourism Australia is calling for the return of JobKeeper to those who need it at a time when “massive floods hit already fire ravaged destinations, the interstate borders close up again and Easter is upon us in a time of massive uncertainty.”

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Rod Hillman notes “The Federal Government must listen and take action. JobKeeper must be returned to those who need it, otherwise there is a serious risk that many regions will lose their capacity to host visitors when they inevitably return.

“In exactly the same manner the Government has supported the airlines through a JobKeeper scheme to ensure they retain capacity, the broader industry needs the same. Closing the borders is a Government decision – not the industry – and as such they must accept responsibility for the benefit of the regions, not just for tourism but also for the other industries that rely upon it.

“Ecotourism Australia will continue to support our members during this time and the EA Board has agreed to extend our 25% discount on certification renewals, for those still on JobKeeper in March 2021, until September. We are also working extremely closely through our ECO Destination network (we are up to 18 ECO Destinations now) to build long term sustainability into our industry. The local governments and RTOs are engaged through the program and develop policies, programs and promotional campaigns to directly benefit ecotourism operators within their regions.

“This approach of working locally, impacting nationally/internationally, positions ecotourism at the heart of regions and Ecotourism Australia sees this as a key feature for our (and the industry’s) future.

“COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of sustainably managed businesses that are connected to their communities. This connection builds resilience and greatly increases a business’s chances of surviving crisis.”

Image: Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Rod Hillman