A Federal Parliamentary committee has recommended establishing a national First Nations tourism body and prioritising “accessible and affordable” regional air services to aid the Australian tourism sector’s COVID recovery.
An inquiry into Australia’s tourism sectors by the a Trade Subcommittee explored the issues facing the sector since the reopening of borders following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chair Senator Deborah O’Neill said while there were encouraging signs that the tourism sector was recovering, it was clear that recovery had been patchy and issues remained.
Senator O’Neill said the committee’s report made a number recommendations to strengthen the visitor economy and make it more resilient to future shocks.
“Tourism is one of Australia’s largest exports and is a key way for Australians to share our unique and wonderful cultures, environments and stories. But the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the sector to its limits.”
She said throughout the inquiry the committee members kept coming back to two key areas with enormous opportunity, if key barriers could be reduced.
“The report makes 28 recommendations aimed at strengthening the resilience of the tourism sector, particularly for regional Australia and for First Nations tourism businesses.
“It also makes various recommendations that would make the visitor economy more inclusive, more accessible, and more sustainable.”
Senator O’Neill said some of the key recommendations included:
- The establishment of a national First Nations tourism body to represent the interests of First Nations businesses and communities in tourism.
- The establishment of a First Nations advisory panel to advise Tourism Australia on the appropriate representation of First Nations in marketing strategies and campaigns.
- The development of a Regional Dispersal Strategy to drive greater domestic and international visitation into more of Australia’s regions.
- That the Australian Government prioritises policies that will achieve more accessible and affordable regional air access.
- Improved role clarity, communication and coordination between local, state and Australian Government tourism organisations.
- For the Minister for Trade and Tourism to issue a new Statement of Expectations for Tourism Australia to provide greater clarity about its role.
She said over the past two years the committee had held 31 public hearings across Australia.
“The impact of COVID-19 in the tourism sector and in Australia’s regions was unprecedented, and we heard stories of great adversity. But we also heard about innovation and collaboration, a shared ambition to continue to grow the sector, and the opportunities it provides for individuals, communities and Australia.”
