The Australian Tourism Export Council welcomed two new Government initiatives aimed at supporting the industry through the COVID crisis and beyond.
With the release of the second tranche of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, many specialist inbound tour operator businesses who are totally dependent on the reopening of the international borders will have the opportunity to apply for further support to help them survive.
“ATEC has been pleased to work in close partnership with Austrade, alongside like-minded industry associations AFTA and CATO in making contributions to the policy framework associated with the second tranche of the grants program,” ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said.
“Austrade recognises that Australian ITOs operate under different business models and we have worked with them to help them establish a broad “exceptional circumstance” process that ensure all claims are assessed professionally and fairly.
Mr Shelley also welcomed the establishment of an expert panel of advisors in the Reimagining the Visitor Economy group which will work on developing the next stage of Australia’s long-term tourism strategy.
“ATEC looks forward to supporting the work of the panel and helping to pave the way back for our successful export tourism industry.
“We trust that the second tranche of the travel agent’s grant program will be welcome news for our members and ATEC will continue to work with Government on the delivery of additional tranches of this grants program and in building a strategy to get our industry back on its feet.”
