Martin Ferguson has retained his position as Minister for Tourism under the new Gillard Government, and the industry is expected to get a higher priority with three other ministers providing support to the portfolio.


Tasmanian senator Nick Sherry will be assistant minister, Simon Crean will have input through his new role as regional affairs minister, and Queensland's Craig Emerson will also contribute as part of his position of trade minister.


"The latest figures show international travel to Australia rose by three per cent in 2009/10," Tourism and Transport Forum's managing director Christopher Brown said."


But while the increase is good news, it only returns us to 2008 levels, and Australia continues to lag behind growth levels in global tourism.


"Investing in new products, experiences and tourism infrastructure has the double benefit of enticing more Australians to travel at home, helping to address tourism's balance of trade deficit."


Let's hope this pack mentality produces results for a tourism industry demanding respect and support.