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The Federal inquiry into Australia's tourism and international education sectors has released its final report, including 28 recommendations to improve the industry's resilience.

Key among the proposals is for the establishment of a national First Nations tourism body and reviewing the First Nations Visitor Economy Strategy, as well as continuing grant programs to support First Nations tourism businesses.

Released by the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JASFADT), the report titled, 'Are we there yet?': From recovery to resilience - opportunities and challenges for Australia's tourism sector, also recommends that the Federal Government help promote the development of regional accommodation and attractions, prioritise regional transport and infrastructure improvements and allow affordable regional air access, while ensuring training providers improve access for regional tourism operators. It also recommends the Federal Government collaborate with the states to promote regional tourism, nature-based tourism and disability inclusion.

The inquiry explored the issues and opportunities facing both the tourism and international education sectors since the reopening of Australia's borders following the COVID-19 pandemic.

It followed an interim report released in October 2023 focusing on the international education sector.

Reflecting on the focus on tourism for the inquiry's final report, Subcommittee Chair, Senator Deborah O'Neill noted “tourism is one of Australia's largest exports and is a key way for Australians to share our unique and wonderful cultures, environments and stories. But the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the sector to its limits.

“While we're starting to see encouraging signs that the sector is recovering, it is clear the recovery has been patchy and that issues remain. This report makes a number of recommendations to strengthen the visitor economy and make it more resilient to future shocks.”

Senator O'Neill added “throughout the inquiry we kept coming back to two key areas with enormous opportunity, if key barriers can be reduced: First Nations tourism and regional and tourism.”

Key recommendations from the 'Are we there yet?' report include:

• The establishment of a national First Nations tourism body to represent the interests of First Nations businesses and communities in tourism.
• The establishment of a First Nations advisory panel to advise Tourism Australia on the appropriate representation of First Nations in marketing strategies and campaigns.
• The development of a Regional Dispersal Strategy to drive greater domestic and international visitation into more of Australia's regions.
• That the Australian Government prioritises policies that will achieve more accessible and affordable regional air access.
• Improved role clarity, communication and coordination between local, state and Australian Government tourism organisations.
• For the Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism to issue a new Statement of Expectations for Tourism Australia to provide greater clarity about its role.

During the inquiry, the Committee heard from a range of stakeholders including international and regional tourism operators and providers, including First Nations tourism operators, local councils, government agencies, education and tourism peak bodies, international students and student associations and education providers.

Senator O'Neill went on to say “over the last two years we held 31 public hearings across Australia, primarily in regional towns. We wanted to hear from the people themselves and see firsthand their tourism offerings and challenges'.

“The impact of COVID-19 in the tourism sector and in Australia's regions was unprecedented, and we heard stories of great adversity. But we also heard about innovation and collaboration, a shared ambition to continue to grow the sector, and the opportunities it provides for individuals, communities and Australia.”

She concluded “it is clear the recovery has been patchy and that issues remain. This report makes a number of recommendations to strengthen the visitor economy and make it more resilient to future shocks.

“Throughout the inquiry we kept coming back to two key areas with enormous opportunity, if key barriers can be reduced: First Nations tourism and regional tourism.”

Click here to view the report on the JSCFADT website.

Images: First Nations tourism is seen as key to the industry's future according 'Are we there yet?': From recovery to resilience - opportunities and challenges for Australia's tourism sector report.

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