Senior tourism figures are concerned increasing minimum wages next year when international borders are likely to be closed could push the industry over the edge, with some blaming former tourism lobbyist Martin Ferguson.
John Hart, executive chairman of the Australian Chamber of Commerce's tourism arm, said the wage panel's decision to increase pay by 1.75 per cent on February 1 was a "big blow at a time when [the] industry is just trying to get back on its feet".
Fiona Carruthers has written and edited travel for the Financial Review for almost a decade. She has held senior roles with ABC Radio National, Deutsche Welle Radio, TIME and The Australian, and was deputy editor of Traveller. Email Fiona at fcarruthers@afr.com
