The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) congratulate Senator the Hon Don Farrell on his reappointment as Minister for Trade and Tourism.
CATO has valued the constructive and open relationship with Minister Farrell and his office over the last term of government, which has included meaningful collaboration on the development of key industry initiatives. Notably, the Reviving International Tourism Grant (RITG) program developed in 2023 and concluding at the end of this month which provided targeted support for outbound travel businesses as they rebuilt in the wake of the pandemic.
CATO managing director Brett Jardine acknowledged the impact of the program and the strong foundation it has helped establish for future growth.
“The RITG program delivered much-needed support for CATO members at a crucial time. It recognised the importance of Australia’s outbound travel sector and helped our members to reconnect with international supply chains, drive investment in innovation and build resilience as international travel resumed,” he said.
“We now look forward to working with Minister Farrell on future initiatives that will strengthen Australia’s outbound travel industry and its global competitiveness.”
With international travel demand continuing to grow, CATO remains committed to working closely with the Minister and his Department to ensure Australian tour operators and wholesalers are well-supported, future-ready, and positioned to lead in the global tourism landscape.
ATEC also congratulates Minister Farrell, who has shown a consistent commitment to supporting Australia’s tourism export sector and recognising its vital role in driving economic recovery, creating jobs, and delivering regional outcomes.
This commitment has been reflected through continued investment in destination marketing via Tourism Australia and the reinstatement of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme to support key inbound markets.
ATEC thanks Minister Farrell for his continued support of Australia’s export tourism industry and look forward to working together to drive sustainable growth, international competitiveness, and new opportunities for the sector.
ATIA is also looking forward to working with the new Federal Ministry to ensure the value of the travel sector and the needs of Australian travellers are clearly understood.
As well as Minister Farrell, ATIA congratulates Senator Penny Wong on her reappointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Don Farrell on his reappointment as Minister for Trade and Tourism, Tony Burke on his return as Minister for Home Affairs, Catherine King on her reappointment as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Andrew Giles as Minister for Skills and Training, and Andrew Leigh as Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury.
ATIA also warmly welcomes Matt Thistlewaite as Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Nita Green as Assistant Minister for Tourism.
These appointments come at a critical time for the Australian travel and tourism sector. With a new term of government underway, ATIA is committed to ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of travel businesses are front and centre in policy discussions.
ATIA has established strong and collaborative relationships with all key ministers and looks forward to working closely with them to advance shared goals. These include supporting a fairer and more competitive aviation market, addressing the industry’s pressing workforce needs, and ensuring regulatory settings recognise and promote accredited Australian travel businesses.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said, “These Ministers know our industry well, and we are ready to hit the ground running to ensure that the priorities of our members remain front and centre.
“ATIA exists to deliver outcomes for our members, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make sure the challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s travel sector are understood and acted on at every level of government.”
