04 May 2021
An expert panel has been formed to provide advice to the federal government and the tourism industry to help drive its economic recovery from COVID-19.
The five-member panel will provide advice on the visitor economy, which encompasses domestic and international tourism, including international students, business and leisure travellers, business and major events, and short-term overseas workers, as well as associated industries such as hospitality, aviation and accommodation.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said,
Martin Ferguson (pictured above), who is currently chair of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) and Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, has been appointed to lead the ‘Reimagining the Visitor Economy Expert Panel’ over the next six months.
03 May 2021
Australian travel agents, inbound tour operators and wholesalers can now apply to access an additional $130 million in support from the federal government.
The second round of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program opened today, which brings the total direct support for agents to $258 million.
The extra assistance is part of the government’s
The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program provides eligible agents, inbound tour operators and wholesalers with a one-off payment of up to $100,000.
Key changes under round two of the program include simplifying the assessment and payment process for businesses eligible for a second payment under the program extension, increasing the minimum grant amount from $1,500 to $7,500 and reducing the number of turnover tiers used to calculate payments from 41 to nine.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian travel agents, inbound tour operators and tour wholesalers can now apply to access an additional $130 million in support from the Morrison Government.
The second round of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program opens today, which brings to $258 million the total direct support for travel agents. This is in addition to around $700 million in support already provided through measures such as JobKeeper, PAYG cash flow boosts, and loss carry back provisions.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the extra assistance was part of the Morrison Government’s $1.2 billion tourism and aviation package to support Australia’s tourism businesses and 660,000 workers.
12 Apr 2021
The federal government has released the framework for the second round of its COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.
An additional $130 million has been provided under round two to help give eligible agents breathing space to facilitate customer refunds and follow up travel credits.
Several adjustments have been made to the second round to take into account industry feedback. Round two is expected to open in late April 2021 and close in June 2021.
The government said it will continue to consult with the industry to finalise the conditions of round two.
However, the key changes include simplifying the assessment and payment process for businesses eligible for a second payment under the program, as well as increasing the payment amounts, from $7,500 up to a maximum of $100,000.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Morrison Government will provide an additional $130 million to support travel agents.
Our Government has now committed $258 million to support travel agents through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, this is on top of the 800,000 discounted airfares provided via the $1.2 billion aviation and tourism support package as well as access to JobSeeker.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said applications for Round 2 of the program were now open to provide further support for eligible travel agents, inbound tour operators and tour wholesalers.
“Our Government is finalising payments under Round One of the program valued at $128 million, which has supported around 3000 travel agents who continue to service their customers, including by providing refunds and credits for Australians whose travel has been impacted by state border lockdowns and the closure of international borders,” Mr Tehan said.