ICYMI: The Treasurer handed down the Government’s annual budget last week that included key funding to support the travel and tourism industry’s recovery from the pandemic. Let’s take a closer look at specific initiatives to bolster and boost the sector.
In the Australian Government 2023-24 Budget, particular investment is going to tourism within Australia from funding for infrastructure and national parks to supporting Tourism Australia’s Come and Say G’Day campaign.
Minister for Trade & Tourism Don Farrell said government funding for Tourism Australia will support the agency to invest heavily in driving tourism recovery in key international markets.
In addition, $48.1 million will be allocated for visa processing to reduce the backlog, improve service delivery and enhance visa processing tech.
Domestic investment
More than $262 million of new funding will be invested into Australia’s national parks to support tourism, conservation and cultural heritage activities, including iconic sites such as Kakadu and Uluru-Kata-Tjuta.
Cultural institutions will receive $535.3 million to strengthen infrastructure along with up to $3.4 billion across 10 years for specific infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), including eligible tourism operators, can access a $310 million initiative to reduce costs through energy efficiency.
Also on the sustainable investment front, a $39.3 million allocation to build electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure will support travellers to go further into regional areas.
Mr Farrell also noted that the Government is continuing to implement the $48 million Tourism and Travel support package announced in the October 2022 Budget, along with delivering the THRIVE 2030 strategy for the visitor economy.
“The Government’s Tourism and Travel package is already helping businesses train and attract workers, improve tourism experiences and get back into the international market,” he said
As a final message, Mr Farrell said: “I remain committed to working with each and every one of you as we continue to build on the ongoing recovery of the sector.”
AFTA members recently met with Mr Farrell and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong ahead of the Australian Government 2023-24 Budget announcement.
Find out what happened at the Australian Tourism Exchange 2023 (ATE23) event here.
Find out more at austrade.com.au
