TTF shares its 2024/25 pre-Budget submission

The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has shared its pre-Budget submission to the Federal Budget 2024/25 with TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond noting “TTF is the leading industry voice and plays an important and active role in advocating for the policy interests of our members. I would like to take this opportunity to thank members for their valuable contributions in shaping the TTF 2024/25 Pre-Budget submission.

“TTF represents a broad range of operators which include airports, airlines, tourism, attractions and travel operators, accommodation providers, major events, retail and hospitality businesses, and leading private and public transport operators with a state and national presence.

“TTF welcomes the opportunity to provide a pre-budget submission for the 2024/25 federal budget and we look forward to continuing to work with the Government as the budget is further developed.”

Among the priorities TTF has spotlighted in its submission are:

Creating a Seamless Travel Experience
Our border is such a vital asset to the tourism and transport industries and Australian Border Force is currently working on many projects and initiatives to ensure it is safe, efficient, and technologically advanced. In an extremely competitive international tourism market, it’s incredibly important that we also make sure the passenger and tourist experience is the best it can be.

No more taxing the Tourism Industry
TTF urges the Federal Government to reconsider the decision to increase the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) and commit to a five-year freeze on making any additional increases. The PMC (first introduced as the Departure Tax in 1978) was initially $10 and after the increase announced in this the last federal budget, will rise to $70 from July 2024 - a 600% increase since its inception.

Unlocking the Potential of Nature Based Tourism
Sustainable and nature-based tourism experiences are currently front of mind for tourists across the globe. An increased desire for sustainable travel is evident in the latest consumer travel trends, which highlight the priority placed on protecting the planet for future generations. 74% of travellers globally now recognise the need to make more sustainable travel choices, according to Booking .com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2023, increasing from 66% in 2021.

Decarbonisation of the Transport Sector
The transport sector has a greater potential for early decarbonisation compared with many other sectors of the economy and can make a material contribution to reaching carbon emission reduction targets by 2030. TTF worked with LEK Consulting to investigate ways in which the transport sector can accelerate decarbonisation.

Tourism Australia and Business Event Funding
We are currently in one of the most competitive international tourism markets ever seen. It is critical that Tourism Australia is well funded and resourced to ensure it can continue the world leading marketing activities to attract tourists to Australia. Tourism Australia is a critical agency to ensure our domestic tourism industry and visitor economy prospers, as we continue to build momentum after the pandemic.

Prioritising Indigenous Tourism
Australia is uniquely positioned to offer Indigenous tourism experiences from the world’s oldest living culture. A thriving Indigenous tourism sector will generate widespread benefits, with the potential to foster greater understanding, relationships, and reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. This relies on genuine collaboration between industry and First Nations peoples. Showcasing and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures has great potential to create economic and social benefits that can be reinvested in communities and also delivers experiences to visitors that generate learning, sharing and connection.

Access the TTF pre-Budget submission to the Federal Budget 2024/25.