The Gillard Labor Government has announced the allocation of $46 million in new funding to promote and develop Australia’s $41 billion tourism industry.

This includes a $40 million injection into the TQUAL Grants program and $6 million for the National Long Term Tourism Strategy.
 

Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson said this was further evidence of the Gillard Labor Government’s commitment to the long term growth and sustainability of tourism in Australia.
 

“The injection into the TQUAL Grants program will be matched dollar for dollar by industry in a partnership that will plan and develop tourism infrastructure, products and regions. Visitors stay longer, spend more and travel more widely across Australia’s regions,” Martin Ferguson said.
 

Grants will be allocated through an independent, competitive merit based process in $10 million annual allotments over the forward estimates period. They will include:

· Grants of up to $1 million for a small number of large scale projects to support Indigenous economic development and tourism employment.
 
· Grants of up to $100,000 for small scale projects to support collaborative community tourism industry development projects, particularly those which stimulate private sector investment.
 
· Matching funding grants for tourism destination planning and management, including for the National Landscapes Program.
 

“The benefit that this program has already delivered is evidenced in many local communities across the country, supporting important projects to increase tourism spending in their towns,” Martin Ferguson said.
 

“The increased funding for the National Long Term Tourism Strategy will help deliver supply side measures that strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the industry, giving the Strategy the resources it needs to effect real change.
 

“Our investments helped keep Australia’s tourism industry going during the global recession. While global travel contracted by four per cent, international visitor numbers in Australia held steady."

The Newport has contact Jim Turnour's office to get his comments on what this funding announcement means for Far North Queensland, and will post his response as soon as it comes to hand.