The quality of Australia’s accommodation offering is expected to see a significant improvement in the coming years after the government last week handed out Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund (TIRF) Grants totalling $13.1 million.
A total of 65 applicants were successful in the first round of the TIRF Grants Program, with some applicants receiving up to $250,000 to improve or enhance existing properties and venues.
Among the successful applicants, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley will expand their conference facilities, Crown Plaza Alice Springs will upgrade its 235 rooms, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort will add a multi-purpose conference centre.
Kangaroo Island Lodge will also complete a series of property upgrades and The Cable Beach Resort and Spa in Broome will add capacity to its current conference facilities.
With the funding set to have a total investment value of over $141 million, Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive Richard Munro said the grants were a “significant step” for Australia’s accommodation sector.
“Australia’s accommodation and tourism industries are better off as a result of funds being distributed as part of the TIRF program,” he said. “A better accommodation product promotes both repeat and new visitors.”
Munro stressed the need for improvement in Australia’s accommodation quality, rather than quantity, and remained confident the funding would help to improve the accommodation offering across the board.
Applications are now being accepted for the second round of TIRF Grants. Click here for details.
