3 years ago
Funding support flows for travel agents
THE HON DAN TEHAN MP
Funding support continues to reach travel agents to support their business operations thanks to the Morrison Government.
Our Government has committed $258 million in direct support to travel agents through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program. According to the latest data:
- $98.6 million in grant funding has been paid under Round One, 2964 travel agents have received payments under the program and another 172 claims are still being processed.
- $19.5 million in grant funding has been paid under Round Two and 945 travel agents have received payments.
The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program complements broader support for the travel industry that includes:
- $1.2 billion aviation and tourism support package, providing 800,000 half-price airfares to stimulate domestic tourism spending.
- Extending the $94.6 million Zoos and Aquarium program by six months and expanding the $40 billion SME Loan Guarantee Scheme.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Government had worked closely with the sector to deliver targeted support.
“The Government has worked closely with the peak bodies representing travel agents—the Australian Federation of Travel Agents Limited (AFTA), Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) — to enhance round two of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program,” Mr Tehan said.
“We have been working with these industry associations to ensure the delivery of effective and efficient support packages targeted to those industries impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19.