The Australian Federation of Travel Agents has welcomed NSW Government’s $530 million Tourism and Events package as a positive step in the long hard recovery of the travel sector.Australia’s travel agents and businesses have been in hard lockdown for more than 600 days and until international travel returns to normal levels, which won’t be before the second quarter of 2022, the sector will continue to be in lockdown.
Additional Facts
- Prior to COVID, the industry has experienced year on year growth of 11% and maintained growth of 7.25% over the past five years
- In 2018-19, Australians spent over $46 Billion on international travel, representing the largest import sector of the Australian economy
- 70% of this international travel was booked through Australian travel agents
- Each year travel agents collect taxes worth $1 Billion and contribute $28 Billion nationally to the economy
Quotes from AFTA CEO Dean Long:
“AFTA welcomes NSW Government’s $530 Tourism and Events support package as a a positive step in the right direction, particularly the $60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney and $6 million to bring business events back to the city.”
“The road to recovery for Australia’s travel sector, however is a long one.”
“Travel expertise to navigate the complexities of COVID-travel is needed now more than ever and as events and tourism begin to ramp up again, travel agents will be essential.”
“Australia’s travel agents and businesses have been in hard lockdown for more than 600 days and until airlines and cruise capacity return to normal levels, which won’t be before the second quarter of 2022, we will need support.”
“The 30,000 Australians who work in Australia’s travel sector and the 3,000 agencies and businesses who employ them urgently need ongoing Government help so we can keep providing the expert support travellers need as tourism gets back on track and recovers.”
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