Tourism groups praise Labor’s election pledges

With the Australian Federal election less than a month away, industry groups the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) and Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) have each welcomed Labor’s $ 150 million commitment to the tourism industry.

ATIC welcomed yesterday’s release of Labor’s Regional Tourism Plan today by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Shadow Minister for Tourism Anthony Albanese.

The Regional Tourism Plan is consistent with ATIC’s Six Policy Priorities for growing Australian tourism, launched earlier this year. Developing regional attractions will drive visitors to regional destinations across Australia and attract repeat visitation from international visitors keen to see more of Australia.

ATIC Chair Evan Hall advised “investment in marketing, attractions and aviation is the key to regional tourism development.

“We should be offering more than just mass tourism to Sydney and Melbourne, and this plan will open up tourism to regional areas on the East Coast, and in Northern and Western Australia.

“The Regional Tourism Plan will attract more visitor dollars to regional areas and create jobs across Australia.”

Hall said additional funding for Tourism Australia was long overdue and would help retain Australia’s international market share.

ATIC also welcomed Labor’s policy to return domestic tourism to Tourism Australia’s remit, with Hall adding “Tourism Australia is well placed to promote domestic tourism such as national road trips and to support new interstate aviation routes such as Melbourne to Kununurra.”

Also welcoming yesterday’s funding announcements Tourism and Transport Forum Chief Executive Margy Osmond advised “Labor has clearly been listening to the needs of Australia’s tourism industry.

“The proposed investment will allow tourism businesses to create new experiences, improve service quality, expand in regional areas as well as further promotion of tourism on the worldwide market.

“Tourism is one of the country’s most successful industries but in order to continue this incredible momentum we need to see long term commitments and today’s announcement confirms that Labor recognises just how important this sector is when it comes to a strong economy.”

The Regional Tourism Plan includes:

• $25 million for international and domestic marketing by Tourism Australia;
• $30 million to create new tourism experiences;
• $95 million for regional attractions, infrastructure and facilities; and
• $100 million to maintain and grow regional airports.

Editor's note: Australasian Leisure Management is trying to maintain a balance of coverage in the lead up to the Australian Federal election, without reporting on every funding pledge made by politicians. 

If you feel we are not maintaining a balance, please email: leisure@ausleisure.com.au

Image: The Deni Ute Muster, a longstanding regional tourism success. Courtesy of the Art of Zowie.