The appointment of a dedicated Minister for Tourism was welcomed by the TAA, which says its a positive step towards recognising the importance of the industry.
The new Malcolm Turnbull-led Federal Government recently appointed Senator Richard Colbeck to represent the sector in parliament.
Tourism Accommodation Australia’s Chair and the last dedicated Federal Tourism Minister, Martin Ferguson, said the assignment of a Tourism Minister is an encouraging sign that tourism is being valued by new leadership.
He explained that although tourism had been well served at Cabinet level in the Abbott Government by Trade Minister Andrew Robb, the industry deserved its own voice in Government.
“While we would have preferred tourism to have a seat at the Cabinet table, we are confident that Senator Colbeck will represent tourism strongly.”
Martin Ferguson, TAA Chair
“With Senator Colbeck coming from Tasmania, he will know the importance of tourism and its potential to create jobs and generate income.”
Ferguson continued, saying that Senator Colbeck would be called upon to address major issues that require attention to drive future demand and ensure the industry is competitive and responsive.
For the accommodation sector this means introducing regulations on properties distributing rooms through channels such as Airbnb.
“With the largest expansion of hotels in Australia for over two decades, there needs to be a clampdown on unregulated commercial accommodation, and there needs to be a continued priority for Government to invest in tourism-related infrastructure, promotion and events to drive future international and domestic demand,” he said.
“The importance of the industry will require the continued support of Andrew Robb at cabinet level, as trade relations – particularly the Free Trade Agreements – will have profound implications for the growth of tourism from Asia.
“It will be essential for tourism to be aligned to future trade liberalisation.”