TTF Media Release
Tuesday 29 June 2021
TOURISM INDUSTRY WELCOMES FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR BUSINESS
A financial support package announced today by the NSW Government would assist tourism businesses missing out on another peak holiday period to ride out the impact of the latest Covid-19 crisis, the industry’s national peak body the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) said today.
TTF CEO, Margy Osmond, applauded the NSW Government’s swift response in recognising the very significant financial impacts of the Sydney lockdown and restrictions across NSW by putting together a package she described as timely and well designed to support business cash flow.
The package includes grants of up to $10,000 for business across two categories, an extension of the Dine and Discover Voucher program until 31 August 2021 and optional deferral of payroll and gaming tax payment – ensuring both small and large businesses are covered by the package.
“The NSW Government has clearly recognised the economic impacts of the most significant lockdown Sydney and New South Wales has suffered since the initial March 2020 lockdown and has acted quickly to help secure the future of many tourism businesses across the state,” Ms Osmond said.
“Our economic data released yesterday shows the industry in NSW will lose $2.1 billion or $153 million a day during the June/July school holidays – almost one third of the total losses predicted nationally.
“This is the third school holidays in a row that a lockdown in one of our major cities has decimated a peak holiday period and the knock-on effect is nationwide.
“While it can’t possibly make up for revenue lost over these school holidays the package will go some to way to softening the blow for thousands of businesses.
“The tourism industry continues to suffer from a lack of international travel, and the lack of confidence among Australians in the domestic travel market and in planning holidays, is diabolical, making it very difficult for businesses in our sector to stay afloat.
“The management of the crisis by the NSW Government and the financial support will be greatly appreciated by businesses across the sector.
“This latest outbreak is proof of how important it is for the vaccination program to be fast-tracked and for all Australians to get the jab as soon as possible.
“The Federal Government now needs to follow suit and look very seriously at some other form of ongoing support for the tourism sector to ensure we come out the other side of the pandemic.”
ENDS
Contact: TTF Director of Corporate Affairs and Membership Graeme Moses gmoses@ttf.org.au or 0434 569 470