The tourism industry has been told to stand up and fight for respect by Federal Member for Paterson and new shadow minister Bob Baldwin.

Speaking at the Australian Export Council conference in Sydney, Mr Baldwin said tourism operators should lobby against Government taxation and "get angry and loud" in a way that has seen mining and agricultural industries gain our leaders' attention.

He highlighted how anger over the proposed mining super profits tax had “brought down a Prime Minister and almost brought down a first term Government”, whereas increases to the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) and visa fee hikes “have gone through to the keeper.”

Mr Baldwin was reported in Travel Today as saying “There is no reason why the tourism industry can’t be as visible as the agriculture sector or as loud as the mining industry.

“Yes, the mining industry has some big and powerful companies, but Qantas and Accor are hardly small and insignificant. The tourism industry has been taxed enough already. It’s time for the tourism tea party.

“If you’re a tourism operator and think Tourism Australia should have more resources to bring tourists to Australia, then say so. If you’re an inbound tour operator and you can see tourism taxes softening demand, then say so.”

Mr Baldwin urged the tourism industry to start gathering support for the abolishment of the $47 PMC which was introduced in 1995 to replace departure tax, and is charged to people who are leaving Australia for another country regardless of whether that person intends to return.

“Political leaders will harvest the energy of those they represent. If the energy is flat, so too will the political outcomes fizzle,” he said.

“I am happy to be the warrior and to carry the spear for the tourism industry but I need to know the whole tribe is behind me. Get angry and get loud and give us a clear message.”

Do you think the tourism industry commands enough respect from our Governments?

If you're a tourism operator, let us know if the PMC or visa fees are having an affect on your business.