ATEC considers diverse and competitive airlines to be critical to Australian tourism

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ATEC considers diverse and competitive airlines to be critical to Australian tourism

April 22, 2020

Tourism /

Following Virgin Australia having entered administration, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has shared its consideration that Australia needs a diverse, competitive and sustainable airline environment in order to return tourism to its successful place in the Australian economy.

ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley notes "the entire tourism industry has ground to a halt and that's affected close to 1 million industry jobs across Australia, many in regional communities.

"While international visitor arrivals are some time away, the industry is holding its breath and waiting for the day Australian's can start to travel domestically. Without affordable and accessible domestic air routes tourism's hopes for recovery will be bleak.

"Domestic and international tourism combined delivered $146 billion to the economy last year and the loss of one of our major airlines will have catastrophic flow-on impacts that will ultimately also see our international capacity damaged."

"After bushfires, floods and a pandemic, Australian tourism needs a break. To be hit with another huge setback will severely impact the industry's road to recovery, especially for regional Australia where air access is the lifeblood of the tourism industry."

Image: Ningaloo whale shark festival courtesy of Tourism WA (for illustrative purposes only)

21st April 2020 - Arts and sport set to be impacted by Virgin Australia’s administration

6th March 2020 - ATEC highlights the ongoing threat of Coronavirus to export tourism industry

2nd March 2020 - ATEC remembers tourism innovator James Kwan

17th January 2020 - ATEC emphasises the need for positive messages to international tourists

28th November 2019 - ATEC recognises outstanding industry achievements for 2019

4th October 2019 - ATEC launches program for WA tourism operators hosting Japanese visitors

28th July 2018 - ATEC sees continued need to keep getting inbound tourism right

10th May 2018 - ATEC welcomes budget boost for regional tourism

21st September 2018 - AFL renews airline sponsorship deal with Virgin Australia

31st March 2017 - Live Nation announces official airline partnership with Virgin Australia

30th April 2016 - Virgin Australia secures naming rights for V8 Supercars

16th December 2012 - Virgin Australia steps in to work with Tourism Australia

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