ATEC welcomes Federal Budget support for tourism industry

October 7, 2020

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has welcomed a number of measures outlined in yesterday’s budget including regional capability funding, small business supports, tax breaks, extra funding for Tourism Australia to help market Australia to the world when international borders reopen - all aimed at supporting flailing businesses within the tourism industry.

ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley advised “ATEC is pleased to see a number of measures outlined in today’s budget which will provide support across the economy and for regional tourism businesses specifically, plus some welcome additional funding for Tourism Australia.

“Our industry has been the hardest hit in 2020, from the bushfires which saw mass cancellations from international and domestic visitors to the Coronavirus which brought travel to a standstill, tourism businesses have never faced so many setbacks.

“What the tourism industry needs right now is support for businesses to get back on their feet and, where they are reliant on international borders being open, support to hang in there.”

Shelley added “as representatives of the inbound tourism sector, we are fully aware of the pressure being faced by businesses which have focused their efforts on attracting international visitors and how international and domestic travel bans have affected the industry in its entirety.

“With many of our supply chain businesses currently in hibernation we specifically welcome the tax loss carry back initiative which will help to stem some of the flow of loss to businesses and support them through to the other side.

“While some tourism operators will benefit from the imminent return of domestic tourism, many will struggle to make anywhere near the turnover they've achieved in their peak.

“These are businesses which have proven their ability to be successful and to make considerable contributions to the national economy so supporting them is supporting an industry which will be primed to help drive the economic recovery of our nation.

“Our research has shown the industry is surviving on JobKeeper and its continuation through until international borders reopen will be crucial to the future of many Australian tourism businesses.

“As an employer of one in every 12 Australian workers, we cannot afford to let this industry fail.”

Image: Tourists at Twelve Apostles

27th September 2020 - ATEC concerned over lack of government funding to support inbound tour operators

27th September 2020 - Tourism Recovery package to inject $250 million into regional Australia

21st September 2020 - ATEC aligns with WTTC Safe Travel protocols

23rd June 2020 - ATEC warns domestic travel not a simple fix for Australia’s tourism industry

13th May 2020 - ATEC highlights the harsh reality of a tourism industry in crisis

30th April 2020 - ATEC part of new Tourism Restart Taskforce to strengthen industry COVID-19 response

22nd April 2020 - ATEC considers diverse and competitive airlines to be critical to Australian tourism

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 August 2017 - ATEC announces major new Chinese Tour Guide Training Project

2nd February 2017 - ATEC flags tourism as Australia’s best export asset

13th July 2016 - ATEC Expo to offer the essential multisport destination

6th April 2016 - ATEC launches new program to boost inbound tourism

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