Labor’s budget cuts slow the return of international tourists

Federal Member for Dawson is urging Labor to reinstate $35 million in funding cuts to Tourism Australia after the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released new data indicating the return of international tourists to Australia is seriously lagging.

Tourism Australia’s budget under Labor will continue to be slashed by a total of $41 million by 2025, which is a major blow for the industry.

“ABS figures confirm the return of international tourists is worryingly low, at only 25% of pre- pandemic 2019 levels”.

“The Prime Minister needs to start backing our tourism operators and regions like Dawson who are reliant on the international market.  Tourism Australia is the agency responsible for marketing Australia as the destination of choice to international holiday makers.  The decision to cut $35 million from their funding in Labor’s first budget was exceptionally poor.”

“Our local tourism operators are largely made up of small and medium businesses who were smashed when international and domestic borders were shut during the pandemic, particularly in areas such as the Whitsunday’s.” Mr Willcox said

Under the Coalition Government, regional areas reliant on international visitors were lent a hand under the COVID 19 Recovery for regional Tourism Fund.

This fund was designed to keep regional tourism operators going while our international borders were closed. The Whitsundays and Mackay region received $3,500,000 from the Federal Government which helped assist businesses and tourism operators who were heavily reliant on International Tourism to adapt and evolve their products and experiences to engage the domestic market. This funding ceased in December 2022.

“So this is a double blow to our Tourism industry. We are now competing heavily against the rest of the world to attract international travellers. It makes no sense for the Labor Government to cut $35 million from the agency tasked with rebuilding our international tourism market.” Mr Willcox said

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton is also concerned with the reduction in funding.

Stating that domestic has been strong but as Aussies head overseas, there will be a lag in international visitation as Australia is a long-haul market booked a year out. Continued investment for both our lead Agency and locally here in the Whitsundays where Tourism supports 1 in 3 jobs critical.

“The Coalition in Government backed our local tourism industry with a $60 million plan to bring back international visitors while supporting them through the border closures.”

“The Albanese government’s poorly thought-out budget cuts are jeopardising the return of our international tourism market and our tourism operators in Dawson deserve support instead of constant funding cuts”. Mr Willcox said