The Federal Government has boosted the coffers of Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) members and grant recipients with an additional AUD$8,000 in funding through Austrade’s Reviving International Tourism Grant Program (RITG).
The initial two-year $9 million RITG Program was set up to support travel and tourism businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to access expos, business development and marketing opportunities to reconnect with international markets.
The extra grant funding brings the RITG Program total to $44,000 available to CATO members plus more access to a wider range of international events and extended usage deadlines.
Key enhancements include an extra $2,000 per eligible grantee for reconnecting with international markets and an additional $6,000 each for digital uplift.
CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine said the unprecedented move demonstrates the Federal Government’s recognition of Australian tour operators and wholesalers’ economic contribution and highlights the organisation’s continued member advocacy.
“The funding has been a major benefit to Australian inbound and outbound tour operators and travel wholesalers and on behalf of members, CATO would like to express our sincere gratitude to Austrade and the Federal Tourism Minister for their support throughout the RITG Program,” he said.
“The list of eligible events has also been broadened to encompass a diverse array of international opportunities, ensuring maximum value for grantees with prior approval from Austrade being mandatory for event attendance before utilising funds.”
Find out more about RITG here.