The federal government has revealed that more than $33 million in COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program payments have already been made to travel agents.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said more than 800 agents had already received payments since the program opened in December, and another 1,500 are currently being processed.
“I encourage all travel agents who haven’t applied yet to go online and start an application,” he said in a statement.
“There are more than 2,500 small businesses with turnover below $500,000 who are eligible, but many may not yet have applied.
“Providing support to travel agents will also protect Australians who have cancelled travel plans and hold credit with agencies.”
The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program provides a one-off grant ranging from $1,500 up to $100,000 to support travel agents impacted by the pandemic.
The program was designed in consultation with the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
You can check out the payment breakdown as of 20 January in full below:
Australia’s Tourism Minister has also provided some hope that more targeted government support could be on the way for the country’s battered and bruised travel industry.
Featured image source: iStock/Olivier Le Moal
