Tourism Uncertainty Leads to Calls for Government Support

The tourism industry is calling for commitments from both sides of politics, with the latest Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF)-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey showing declines in tourism activity and expectations.
The TTF-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey reveals that from March to June fell back to the same level as during the last quarter of 2009, while expectations for the current quarter are also down.
International tourism nosedived 20 points in the March to June Quarter , with expectations for the current quarter down 10 points. Domestic tourism is rated as average, with expectations up slightly.
TTF Managing Director Christopher Brown said industry is calling for greater government support for tourism explained âindustry is putting its money where its mouth is and backing Tourism Australiaâs âThereâs Nothing Like Australiaâ campaign ⦠but the agencyâs funding has declined in real terms in recent years.�?
âThe government has reinvigorated Tourism Australia through the appointment of Andrew McEvoy as Managing Director and the recent appointment of former Qantas Chief Executive Geoff Dixon as Chairman and former Virgin Blue Chief Executive Brett Godfrey and Tourism WA Chair Kate Lamont to the board.
âNow itâs essential that the new leadership of Tourism Australia is backed by an appropriate level of financial support.
âThereâs not much point getting these industry heavyweights on board if they are then expected to do the job with one hand tied behind their backs.
âTTF is calling for both the government and opposition to commit to increasing Tourism Australiaâs funding to at least $140 million to maximise the impact of the new campaign and to give industry partners the certainty they need to plan future marketing and promotional activities.
âPrograms that fund local tourism developments will soon run out, despite tourism product development being identified as a key issue in the federal governmentâs own National Long-Term Tourism Strategy - weâre calling for an ongoing commitment to fund these existing programs.
âThe Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) continues to be a deterrent to travel, unfairly and disproportionately taxing arrivals from key short haul markets, while adding significantly to consolidated revenue.
âVisa fees, too, are a barrier to international tourists coming to Australia, and the charges for both PMC and visas are well above the costs they purport to cover.
âIn addition, tourism operators have been denied access to the Green Building Fund, despite hotels â as 24 hour operations with intensive power and water usage - being obvious candidates.
âThese are key concerns for TTF in the lead up to the Federal election and we are seeking commitments from both sides to address these vital issues.�?
Brown said the results of the latest TTF-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey show that uncertainty is returning.
âThe downturns in both performance indicators and expectations show that the industry is concerned about economic volatility, both at home and abroad.
âTourism is a $92 billion industry which is sustainable, both environmentally and economically, and directly employs almost half a million Australians across the country.
âTourism is uniquely placed to drive growth and sustainability in regional and urban Australia into the future.�?