The Federal Government announces a tourism recovery package to provide an urgent injection of funds for Australia's tourism industry in the wake of this summer's bushfire crisis.
"Australian tourism is facing its biggest challenge in living memory," Mr Morrison said in a statement announcing the funding package. "One in 13 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. Could the international call to arms and subsequent influx of foreign aid and donations damage our national reputation? "This is about getting more visitors to help keep local businesses alive and protect local jobs right across the country and especially in those areas so directly devastated such as Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills, the Blue Mountains and right along the NSW Coast and East Gippsland in Victoria." The funding will provide grants of up to $1.5 million per project for events such as concerts and festivals — as well as permanent attractions such as art installations and tourist walks — in fire-affected regions, with the worst-impacted areas to be prioritised. The package also includes funding to encourage international publicity for Australia's tourism industry and spread the message that Australia's educational and export sectors are still open for business, as well as drive attendance to the Australian Tourism Exchange.
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