Consultations have opened on Australia’s next national tourism strategy and the country’s travel and tourism industry has just 10 days – until 8 March 2019 – to make a submission.
Industry stakeholders are being encouraged to have their say on a draft report developed by the Beyond Tourism 2020 Steering Committee.
Tourism now covers all states and territories, from ecotourism on Christmas Island to relaxing in Sydney over Christmas and inspecting the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race preparations in Rushcutters Bay.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Simon Birmingham, has urged stakeholders – from local and state governments to peak industry bodies and individual tourism operators – to have their say on the future direction of the industry.
“Australia is currently experiencing a tourism boom with record numbers of international travellers flocking to our shores and spending record amounts,” Birmingham said.
“We’ve also seen strong recent growth on the domestic front with more Australians choosing to holiday at home and deciding to get a taste for the diverse and unique experiences on offer around our country.
Visitors inspect Kialoa II (line honours winner of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, 1971) in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay last Christmas Day. Photo by Peter Needham
“With tourism now attracting AUD 136 billion in expenditure each year and employing one in 13 Australians, it’s vital we keep this momentum going by seizing on new market opportunities and ensuring Australia remains a must-visit destination in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.
“The Beyond 2020 Tourism strategy is an opportunity for Australia to develop a new long-term vision for the industry and address key challenges such as technology development, aviation access, attracting more investment in infrastructure, boosting regional tourism and meeting workforce needs.
Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
“I look forward to hearing the feedback from stakeholders on the Committee’s draft report about how we can continue to attract record numbers of visitors and position Australia’s tourism industry for the future.”
To read the Steering Committee’s draft report and to make a submission, visit www.austrade.gov.au/beyond2020. Written submissions close on 8 March 2019.
Edited by Peter Needham
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