The Morrison government is further dipping into its $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Fund, announcing an initial $76 million tourism recovery package.
The initiative aims to protect jobs, small businesses and local economies by helping to get tourists travelling across Australia again, in the wake of the bushfires.
Responding to calls from the tourism industry, the package includes $20 million for a nationally coordinated domestic marketing initiative and $25 million for a global marketing campaign to drive international tourism.
“Australian tourism is facing its biggest challenge in living memory," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
The federal government has allocated $76 million to supporting tourism following the bushfires. Source: AAP
“One in thirteen Australian jobs rely on tourism and hospitality so our $76 million investment is an urgent injection to help all those hotels, restaurants and cafes and tour operators get back on their feet.
“This is make or break for many businesses and tourist hot spots and not just in those areas directly hit by the bushfires.
Several RFS volunteers have been injured after a crash on the NSW south coast. Source: AAP Image/Dean Lewins
The government has also committed a further $10 billion to promote regional tourism events.
Popular tourist destinations such as Kangaroo Island in South Australia and Batemans Bay in New South Wales have already been devastated by the fires.
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham encouraged tourists to return to regional spots in the wake of the bushfires, saying regional Australia was "open for business".
Tourists take selfies against a smoke-filled Sydney Harbour last month. Source: AAP
“Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities around Australia and it’s absolutely critical that we help to get people back visiting those communities that rely on tourism,” Mr Birmingham said.
“These bushfires have dealt the biggest reputational blow to our tourism industry that it has ever faced internationally. Losses caused by cancellations and collapsing booking numbers stretch well beyond those communities directly affected by fire into the many Australian towns that rely on international visitors to sustain tourism jobs.
“My message to anyone thinking about a holiday – from here or overseas – is that Australia’s towns and our incredible parks and beaches are open for business and they need your help.
Prior to the devastating fire seasons, Australian tourism was once again spruiking itself via the so-called "Matesong" tourism campaign, featuring Kylie Minogue and primarily aimed at UK tourists.
Postcard souvenirs on a rack at a retail store in Sydney. Australia remains open for business, according to the government. Source: AAP
However, the crisis led to the pulling of the ad campaign.
Tourists are being deterred from visiting Australia, with the United States Department of State upgrading its travel advisory level for Australia to level two - the same as Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea.
Close to 800,000 tourists from the US visit Australia each year, but there's fears that number will slow slump as pictures of the Australian bushfires play out on TV screens and online around the world.
A tourist takes a selfie at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The government is rolling out a $76 million tourism campaign. Source: AAP
