Ecotourism Australia highlights ending JobKeeper will see many businesses suffer

The end of March is a critical time for those working in the Tourism Industry with Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Rod Hillman highlighting that should JobKeeper finish at the end of March, “it will mean the death of many businesses”.

Hillman explains “some in tourism are doing well – very well – but many are in dire straits, especially those away from capital cities, in the north or are activity based.

“The bookings just aren’t there and with JobKeeper scheduled to finish at the end of March it will mean the death of many businesses causing enormous damage to regions and their communities. The continuous and erratic border closures have led to a nervous tourism market with a genuine reluctance by people to book outside of their state.

“On the same day Queensland opens its borders - Western Australia closes. This constant change is destroying confidence in the interstate market with devastating results.

“We will continue to pressure governments of all levels to save tourism.”

Hillman adds “on a more positive note, Local Governments are continuing to embrace sustainability through adopting the ECO Destinations program. We are now just one short of having 20 destinations that are serious about building a business environment that encourages sustainable tourism, delivers meaningful benefits to their community and treats their environment with respect.

“We continue to listen and support our members – many who are doing it extremely tough.

“We have introduced a 25% discount on certification fees that’s been available for the past nine months and have partnered with the Queensland Government to be able to offer a further 25% discount (50% in total) to our Queensland members. To date, no other State has come to the aid of our members in this way, but we welcome them to do so."

Hillman notes the following should be considered:

•    JobKeeper must be extended to a minimum of September for those in need.

•    A clear, nationally agreed plan for internal border closures where snap decisions are prevented.

•    A clearer pathway defined for our international border reopening.

•  Continued and expanded support for tourism businesses in negatively impacted regions and activity-based operators.

Image courtesy of Ecotourism Australia