Budget 2022-23: Government commits $48 million to tourism recovery

Australia’s tourism industry has been buoyed by the Albanese government’s Budget commitment of AU$48 million to support recovery and rebuild over the next four years.  

The funding injection, announced on Tuesday, will support marketing, training, and upskilling for the accommodation sector, as well as the upgrade of caravan parks around the country.

“The Government is committed to growing and rebuilding the sector to return to the economic powerhouse we know it to be,” said Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Hon Don Farrell.

The Accommodation Association’s training platform The Hub is among those to benefit from AU$10 million committed to training and skills development.

President Leanne Harwood said the funding is a “very welcome shot in the arm” for the recovery of Australia’s Visitor Economy.

“No matter where you go across Australia, the biggest challenge we are all facing as Australia’s Travel and Tourism Sector gets back to normal, is filling the skills shortfall and workforce gap created during COVID,” she said.

“[This funding] will go a long way in helping, educate and re-train the 100,000 staff we need right now including supporting more First Nations Australians, people living with a disability, and older Australians.”

The Accommodation Association and Tourism Accommodation Australia have long been in discussions with government about the skills gap and worker shortage impacting the industry.  

“This funding will go a long way to assist with our goals of upskilling existing talent, and attracting more people to return to the workforce and share their skills and knowledge,” said TAA CEO Michael Johnson.

“It will also allow us to spotlight the career paths that exist in our sector including to those who perhaps haven’t considered it before and help us rebuild.”

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