Groom Federal Member Garth Hamilton has welcomed the Morrison Government’s one-off payment to assist local travel agents who have suffered during COVID-19.
The financial boost, announced just before Christmas, is to help Toowoomba and other agents around the country who have been forced to process thousands of refunds, while also facing an uncertain future.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham made the announcement, saying many agents are being forced to refund existing booking while also facing uncertainty about international travel.
Mr Hamilton said Queensland agents, in particular, had experienced hardship during 2020.
He welcomed the borders opening to New South Wales and Victoria but said most agents were still facing a very difficult Christmas period.
“Queensland tourism operators and services have struggled to survive this year,” Mr Hamilton said.
“It’s so important we continue to look after state’s tourism sectors and ensure tourism-related jobs are protected. I am proud to be part of a team that prioritises jobs, especially in the tourism sector.”
Under the $128 million scheme, eligible travel agents with a turnover of between $50,000 and $20 million a year will be able to apply for the one-off travel agents COVID-19 payment.
Payments will be scaled, with a minimum payment of $1500 for a business with a turnover of $50,000 and up to a maximum payment of $100,000 for a business with a turnover of $20 million.
Toowoomba Globetrotters Travel and Cruise spokesperson Ben Apsey stated his family bought the Toowoomba CBD-based agency on July 1 and said he was thrilled about the Federal Government’s announcement.
“It’s definitely a welcome relief to an industry that has had very little positive news in the last nine months,” Mr Apsey said.
He said three travel agencies in Toowoomba’s CBD alone had closed this year and his own agency was feeling the pinch.
He added Toowoomba was forced to cancel its Carnival of Flowers parade this year, but CBD shop owners were now creating Christmas shopfront displays to try and attract more tourists.
“Any assistance at this point to keep what’s left of the industry afloat is good,” Mr Apsey said.
He also encouraged Queenslanders to book through local travel agents, instead of online companies, which are owned and operated overseas.
Media contact:
Lauren Day – phone 0403852090
