Multi-million-dollar tourism package for Qld tourism operators

The Palaszczuk Government has today announced $5 million in grants to support struggling tourism operators in regional Queensland to redesign their businesses to make it through the coronavirus pandemic. Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the new adaptation program for regional Queensland announced by the government today would deliver grants of up to $10,000 for tourism operators, heavily reliant on international tourism to change their businesses to target the domestic market. “International tourism is the bread and butter for many of our tourism businesses throughout the state. That’s why it’s so important that we support these businesses to change their model to make it through the pandemic,” Ms Jones said. “Tourism will be vital to rebuilding our economy. This is about safeguarding jobs in the tourism industry. “Helping these businesses to survive is an important part of the government’s economic recovery strategy.” Applicants who can demonstrate considerable loss of income due to the closure of Australia’s borders would be able to apply for up to $10,000. Ms Jones said before coronavirus, tourism pumped $28 billion per year into local businesses and supported on in 10 Queensland jobs. “This industry has been hit hard. Today’s package will help operators to pivot to a domestic market or hibernate their business until international borders re-open. “This program is aiming to assist businesses throughout the state so they can target the domestic market or come back when international tourists return to Queensland.” F