The nation’s peak body for the tourism, transport and aviation sectors the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) welcomes the Government’s commitment to easing cost of living pressures through tax cuts, energy rebates, higher wages and an increase of medical bulk billing in tonight’s Federal Budget. However, TTF expresses disappointment that the tourism industry was largely overlooked for any new or increased funding.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond noted that the $17bn of tax cuts to be delivered over the next two years is welcome news for Australian households, as well as the tourism industry.
“TTF welcomes the news of the tax cuts and cost of living initiatives in tonight’s budget. A tax cut is more than just financial relief. It’s an opportunity for Australians to take a step back, unwind, and prioritise their wellbeing.
More disposable income gives Australian households the freedom to save, invest, and most importantly, take a well-earned break. This financial breathing room will give our nation the opportunity to do what 75% of Aussies plan to do this year[1]. And that’s go on that anticipated holiday.”
However, the budget notably lacked any significant new support for the tourism sector, with funding for Tourism Australia to remain unchanged.
Ms Osmond said, “The tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and recovery in the years since the pandemic. However, despite the incredible marketing efforts of Tourism Australia, and work from tourism operators on the ground, we still have a way to go to return our visitor economy to that seen in 2019.”
Although 2024 has recorded the strongest flow of short-term visitor arrivals in December since the pandemic, this number still falls short of what was recorded in 2019; 730,640 vs. 871,180 respectively[2].
“As inflation and costs continue to rise, the Australian visitor economy will feel the effects of an unchanged Tourism Australia budget, as the organisation strives to deliver bigger and better results with a comparatively smaller spending pool,” Ms Osmond said.
TTF however commends the budget’s investment of an addition $2 billion towards transforming Sunshine Station, as part of the commitment to build the Melbourne Airport Rail.
Ms Osmond said, “Transport and accessibility are a direct reflection on a city. A visitor experience is heavily punctuated by how easily they can get around, see the sites, and travel to their flights. The continued investment into the Melbourne Airport Rail is a step forward to ensuring that Melbourne remains a competitive destination for travellers.”