Ecotourism Australia continues to call for funding support from Federal Government

February 27, 2021

With JobKeeper scheduled to finish at the end of March 2021, Ecotourism Australia highlight they have received no advice as to what the Federal Government’s response will be to their sector.

Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive, Rod Hillman notes “it seems unbelievable that a considered and responsible strategy would not be announced and implemented, the risks are just too great to ‘wait and see’.

“Some in the industry are doing well but there are many businesses that will be forced to close their doors without ongoing support. This is not a problem of their own making, government decisions (rightly or wrongly) have caused this.

“It is up to the government to provide a targeted and proportional solution so that tourism businesses who need the support can continue. A solution needs to take into account the type of business, not just the location, as tours in particular are suffering everywhere.

“Industry associations and many individual businesses have worked hard to reinforce this message but the government’s response must come soon. We will continue to push the urgency of this and look forward to a quick resolution.

Hillman added “Insurance remains a serious challenge and is another issue requiring urgent resolution. At a time when the industry is trying to get back on its feet, businesses are having to cancel tours and activities as they can’t get Public Liability Insurance. I think adopting a policy similar to New Zealand's is the best way forward.”

Nonetheless, Ecotourism Australia applauds the government on committing to a comprehensive roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine with Hillman stating “it is a huge positive for our industry and goes a long way towards ensuring our borders will reopen – and stay open.”

Image top (illustrative only): Murray River Trails, South Australia – an example of ecotourism experience highlighted in Ecotourism Australia’s September 2020 "State of the Industry Report".

3rd February 2021 - Ecotourism Australia highlights ending JobKeeper will see many businesses suffer

14th December 2020 - Ecotourism Australia reviews 2020 Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference

25th November 2020 - Leading ecotourism businesses inducted into Ecotourism Australia’s Hall of Fame

4th November 2020 - Ecotourism Australia partners with WWF Australia to support bushfire-affected tourism destinations

24th October 2020 - Ecotourism Australia announces new directors

7th October 2020 - Ecotourism Australia questions ‘optimistic’ budget assumptions

24th September 2020 - Ecotourism Australia implores governments for ongoing support of natural attractions and ecotourism experiences

12th August 2020 - Ecotourism Australia’s annual conference offers inaugural online streaming

3rd August 2020 - Ecotourism Australia waivers certification renewals while also planning for Global Eco Conference

11th March 2018 - Townsville to host 2018 Ecotourism Australia conference

23rd July 2015 - Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification Gains Global Approval

4th February 2013 - New Chief Executive for Ecotourism Australia

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.