Federal government provides boost for travel agents with multiple outlets
In a win for travel agents across Australia, the federal government has announced additional targeted support for the sector.
Eligible Australian travel agents and tour arrangement service providers with multiple shopfronts or retail premises are being invited to apply for a one-off $10,000 funding boost for each of their outlets.
However, only owners of multiple-outlet businesses that have already been supported by the government’s $258 million COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program are able to apply.
The additional government funding is on top of support provided to agents through the Consumer Travel Support Program, JobKeeper and business support grants.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the funding boost recognised the financial challenges facing agents.
“Australia is closing in on its vaccination targets that will trigger the reopening of borders and the resumption of travel as agreed in the national plan,” he said.
“Australians have made great sacrifices in our fight against COVID-19 and they’re looking forward to travelling again to see family and friends and take a holiday.
“When Australians can travel again, our travel agents will be busy people, and our government is supporting them to be prepared to meet that demand.
“We are working with industry associations to ensure effective support is provided to industries impacted by the economic fallout of the pandemic.
“The $10,000 grant will support eligible businesses to meet the additional costs of running individual shopfront or retail outlets that continue to operate as part of a larger group.”
Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) chair Tom Manwaring welcomed the additional government funding, but warned that more support is needed until international travel normalises.
“There are a number of our members who have multiple shopfronts under a single ABN who haven’t been eligible for support on a store-by-store basis until now, so this additional support is very welcome for those businesses,” he said.
“However, Australia’s travel agents and businesses have been in hard lockdown for more than 600 days, and until airlines and cruise capacity returns to normal levels, we will continue to be in lockdown.
“Until international travel normalises, the 30,000 Australians who work in Australia’s travel sector and the 3,000 agencies and businesses who employ them urgently need ongoing help.
“As so many Australians have discovered during COVID, travel agents are essential and even more important given the challenges of travelling internationally, given the morass of differing requirements. Without a travel agent, you really are on your own.”
“Even when international travel resumes, there will be an economic hangover for our sector of several months, well into 2022 before revenue streams return, let alone return at a sustainable level.
“AFTA continues to make the case for ongoing support including through the extension of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support grant program into round three and beyond to the federal government.”
Applications for the government’s multi-outlet grants close at 11:59pm (AEDT) on 3 November. For more info, click here.
Featured image source: iStock/selensergen
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events
NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]
Engine delays plaguing Air New Zealand as carrier set to suspend Incheon-Auckland route
We never liked being at the back of the queue, and this is a big one to jump.
Australia’s aviation future takes flight: An exclusive with Simon Westaway
As you walk through your next Australian airport, from ABX to YWYY, remember this face, he may be there.
Destination Vancouver brings World Chef Exchange event to Sydney
We are sure that with Mark Best in the kitchen, there was more on offer than poutine and fries.
Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]
Envoyage-hosted National Travel Group joins Luxury Travel Collection
As this market continues to grow, make sure you get along to our own Travel Weekly Luxury Roadshow.
Airports Council International labels Newcastle Airport most sustainable in Australia
Newcastle says it will be the green gateway into Australia, maybe the football team needs some new colours to match.
Vintage Rail Journeys’ unique Bathurst Race’N Rail packages now on sale
You might not get there as fast but you are guaranteed to save on fuel on the way there.
Patricia Piccinini’s skywhales return to tour Australia
These freaked us out when we first saw them, almost as bad as the contents of the fridge after we returned from leave.
David Fraser returns to Accor as VP of operations for Sofitel Pacific
We hope Monsieur Fraser is catching up on his French as he will no doubt be dealing with HQ.
A foodie adventure at Disneyland Resort in California: Snack Attack on the Go
As far as levels of cuteness go, Disneyland Resort's Mickey beignets take the cake or should that be churros.
Minor Hotels unveils Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, its first property in India
Treated like a Raj for a few hundred a night, we like the sound of that. Just don't mention the cricket.
Four Seasons announces new luxury resort and private residences in UAE
These resorts are built on reclaimed land made with sand, fortunately there is plenty of it.
Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests
Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]
MSC Cruises announces MSC World Asia Webinar
Let's hope the words 'You are on mute' will never be uttered ever again.
Legendary Italian hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano, opens new clothing and accessories boutique
Anyone planning a trip to Italy this northern summer should leave room in their Louis Vuitton luggage.
AAT Kings’ NT boost with air credits
AAT Kings really dominates travel in the Top End and news like this only adds fuel to the fire.
Camino Women and Laos’ Khiri Travel announce new mountain trail for Australian women
Responsible tourism starts with one foot in front of the other. This trek sounds like there are a few more steps.
Thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer through ATIA’s ‘Rockstar Renewal’ campaign
Of course it's nice to be called a rockstar, but we'd like to be a part of the superstar surge personally.
Sally Miles joins Linkd Tourism’s trade team
Having lived in the US and Japan, Sally will no doubt thrive in this role!
Maximise your Emirates journey with complimentary hotel stays in Dubai
Any freebie is a good freebie, but a free hotel in Dubai has to be pretty high on the list.
Celebrity Xcel unveils ‘The Bazaar’ set to transforms onboard experiences
No word if Xcel will make its way to Australian shores - we'd expect koala cuddling and kangaroo boxing.
CT Partners expands focus on business meetings and events
AIME is looking like it will be bigger than Ben Hur... it was a movie? Charlton Heston? Never mind.
South Africa’s The Royal Portfolio appoints Nigel Pace as executive head of sales to ultra-luxury portfolio
First job on the list is to visit all the luxury properties in the portfolio. Next, he'll be perusing all the menus...
Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year
40,000 keys is a lot of keys. We wonder if there is a master key to all of these.
Countdown underway for 2025 Visit USA Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
The two-week countdown is on, but we've been counting down for nearly 50 weeks since the last one!
WA Labor commits $500,000 to a study for future Broome cruise passenger terminal
Given the emerging popularity of cruising in this part of the world, another stop is welcome.
Maximum Occupancy New Zealand conference to return to Auckland in March
If we were to take a stab in the dark we'd say this one's all about getting those rooms full... Just a guess!
NRMA’s Turtle Sands Nature resort officially opens
For some of us, sometimes there is a bit too much nature. Try explaining to the little ones why mum buries the kids.
Outrigger appoints new sales & marketing head for Kaua‘i Beach and Kona resorts
As anyone who has worked on a resort will know, stress-free paradise is for the guests only.
Five new food and beverage guides for Coral Coast road trippers
From fresh oysters to the perfect steak, The Coral Coast is a foodies dream. We're sure you can find a good wine too.
Aboard the Palau Paradise Express, Qantas’ new direct route to remote Pacific island
There are plenty of 'hooks' for this story and our roving correspondent will soon tell us all about it.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge celebrates 25th anniversary with new adventures
Baillie Lodges has announced that it is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge with a range of new helicopter experiences for the 2025 season. Kicking off on 22 May, the 2025 season promises five months of generously inclusive luxury adventures for guests in nature’s own playground where black bears forage shoreside, whales, […]
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is set to open on in April
First cab off the rank is getting our pronunciation of this new venue right, so we can tell the cabbie.
Moreton Bay region presents exciting events for 2025
There's more than just the bugs to look forward to if you're in Moreton Bay in 2025.
Mint Payments unveils new layer of financial protection for travel industry
Mint is here with all the tips of financial safety. Rule #1: No buying gift cards for cold callers.
What about the thousands of people stuck with unusable credits? What is the government going to do to protect consumers from being disadvantaged in these contracts? Why don’t Australians deserve the same sort of consumer protections that they have in the UK, EU, USA?