EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Cairns to announce $60m tourism package

EXCLUSIVE: A $60m Federal Government funding injection will bring back international visitors to the regions hardest hit by international border closures, including a $15m cash splash specifically targeted at the Far North.

A $60M federal government funding injection will bring back international visitors to the regions hardest hit by international border closures, including a $15m cash splash specifically targeted at the Far North.

Touching down in Cairns to make the funding announcement this morning, just a month and a half since his last visit, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia remained a world-leading tourist destination because of its unique attractions, high-quality tourism operators, and lifestyle.

But the pandemic has devastated businesses, with the industry looking at a long road to recovery.

It was during the PM’s last trip to Cairns in late January that Tourism Tropical North Queensland bosses Mark Olsen and Ken Chapman were able to sit down with him and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch and pitch a tourism recovery plan.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, his wife Jenny Morrison and Quicksilver CEO Tony Baker arrive at Green Island in late January. Picture: Brendan Radke

Their message seems to have found a receptive audience in the PM.

Mr Entsch said the funding was “a huge win for TTNQ”.

“And they clearly were able to give that message out there to the PM while he was here,” he said.

“He rang me back a week or so later and said to me mate I really get where they’re coming from, I’m going to try and do something with this. And that’s what he’s done.”

The Prime Minister said he had been listening to tourism industry operators about what they would need to rebuild their international tourist businesses.

“The package is about getting people on planes and getting them here. It’s about converting the strong interest in Australia to actual businesses,” Mr Morrison said.

“The return of our international tourism market will support hundreds of thousands of tourism jobs, strengthen our economy, and back our world-class tourism operators and the many regions reliant on international visitors, like Tropical North Queensland.”

$15m funding to go to Tourism Tropical North Queensland to get tourists back to the Great Barrier Reef. Pic supplied by Triple 888 Eight motor yacht.

Mr Morrison said $15m will go to Tourism Tropical North Queensland to get tourists back to FNQ and to promote the Great Barrier Reef.

A further $45m has been earmarked for Tourism Australia to undertake additional targeted activities to get international tourists back in to key regional destinations heavily impacted by the loss of international tourism.

Of that $45m, $15m will be spent on advertising in crucial international markets to support regions most reliant on international tourists, $25m will go to direct partnership activities for Tourism Australia to work with trade wholesalers, airlines and the media, and $5m will extend Business Events Australia’s highly successful bid fund – which has already helped win 57 events for Australia.

Mr Entsch welcomed the additional investment.

“The $15 million for Tourism Tropical North Queensland will allow us to use our local knowledge to best promote our region to the world,” Mr Entsch said.

“Australia is the best country in the world and Tropical North Queensland is its best part, we’re excited to be sharing it with the rest of the world again.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison watches Member for Leichhardt and Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Warren Entsch speak at Green Island in January. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Our local tourism operators are looking forward to being busy and showcasing our wonderful region to international visitors.

Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Michelle Landry said the Australian visitor economy was ready to welcome back more international travellers into the country.

“The Coalition Government’s additional funding for Tourism Tropical North Queensland and Tourism Australia is proof of our commitment to the tourism industry and our desire to see it bounce back,” Ms Landry said.

“Tourism operators have shown great fortitude and resilience throughout the pandemic and this additional investment will go a long way to seeing regular international visitors be welcomed back into the North Queensland region.

“As confidence continues to grow, the Coalition Government is ensuring Australia is front and centre when international tourists consider their next destination to travel to.”

Originally published as EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Cairns to announce $60m tourism package