As the upcoming Federal Election looms closer, travel leaders warn of a glaring gap in the national policy agenda with regional tourism – a cornerstone of Australian tourism – overlooked in key funding and infrastructure decisions.
According to TRA’s 2023-24 Tourism Investment Monitor, regional tourism supports more than 100,000 businesses and employs 6.7 per cent of Australia’s non-metro workforce.
The TRA report showed investment in regional tourism has decreased or stagnated, while investment in capital cities has increased across most states and territories.
Big Red Group CEO David Anderson believes the lack of long-term investment is a critical oversight.
As head of Australia’s largest experience network, which includes Red Balloon, Adrenaline and Experience Oz and regularly partners with tourism organisations and non-profits to increase accessibility, he is well placed to offer his opinion on how funding impacts these regional areas.
Anderson said Australia’s tourism policy leans toward prioritising metropolitan hubs as these cities attract higher proportions of international and domestic visitors.
Regional areas often lack the same level of investment in infrastructure, severely impacting the ability to draw visitors to more regional destinations.
Anderson cited key issues such as affordable transport options and rising airfares as deterring visitors from reaching regional areas and spending with local businesses.
“Regional tourism needs a long-term, strategic plan”
The Big Red Group boss called on the incoming federal government to move beyond short-term programs and deliver a robust, long-term strategy that prioritises access, infrastructure and workforce development in regional areas.
“Regional tourism is undoubtedly a cornerstone of Australia’s economy and our nation. Yet, growth is stifled by infrastructure gaps and limited accessibility. Short-term funding and event-based initiatives aren’t enough to tackle these deep-rooted challenges,” he said.
“For regional tourism to truly thrive, we ask for government commitment to sustained, long-term investments – not just in projects, but in people, places and long-term planning. Without the right commitment, regional Australia cannot drive the country’s tourism growth.”
