Coronavirus Australia: Tourism eyes voucher lifeline to supercharge travel

Tourism, hospitality industries post-JobKeeper package expected to bridge gap until international borders open.

Australians could be handed vouchers as part of the Morrison government’s post-JobKeeper package, according to the tourism and hospitality industries. Picture: Supplied

The tourism and hospitality sectors expect the Morrison government will unveil “demand-driven” stimulus to supercharge domestic travel — possibly through a ­national voucher scheme — as part of its post-JobKeeper assistance package.

Scott Morrison, Josh Frydenberg, Deputy Prime Minister ­Michael McCormack and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan are preparing to announce the next phase of support, likely on Thursday, with JobKeeper expiring in less than three weeks.

It is not expected to be a large-scale package, but a “bridge” to help businesses survive once the wage subsidy program is turned off and until the international border is reopened.

The government has been in talks with industry officials over the past fortnight about ­“advanced plans” for a voucher system, providing support across the tourism and aviation supply chains, from airlines to hire car companies and accommodation providers.

Restaurant and Catering chief executive Wes Lambert said state-based voucher schemes had increased patronage at restaurants and cafes in a “meaningful and narrow way” but a national system was required to allow Australians to spend money in any state or territory.

“The main concern is that the vouchers released so far are all state specific and they do not cross borders, meaning Melburnians get no incentive to go to Cairns,” he said. “Real stimulus is needed around the country to encourage interstate travel.”

John Hart, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s head of tourism, anticipated the stimulus component of the government’s package would support businesses that were “doing it tough” in areas like the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs, Cairns and the Gold Coast.

“Anything that provides an incentive for people to travel and is able to operate through the tourism supply chain — including ­accommodation, travel and ­attractions and services — is what these businesses need to get visitors spending,” he said.

“That stimulus won’t reach the tour wholesalers, tour operators and travel agents. They’re going to need something else.”

Treasury has favoured a ­demand-driven support package, forecasting a pick-up in passenger numbers throughout the year and a gradual return to international travel by December.

As airline activity improves, those support measures will be scaled back.

The government’s package is also expected to provide assistance for airlines to retain their international crews ahead of overseas travel resuming after the vaccination rollout is completed in October.

Qantas and Virgin have told the government they need ongoing support to keep specialist international crews on the books to ensure a seamless return to overseas flights, likely via “green lane travel” with nations that have contained COVID-19.

The Morrison government has already provided $1.3bn to support the aviation sector, led by its Domestic Aviation Network Support and Regional Airline Network Support programs.

The DANS and RANS, which were extended until March 28, are likely to continue in support of ­essential freight movements and key domestic travel routes.

The programs were designed to provide shortfall subsidies for commercial airlines to operate flights through the pandemic.

The focus on targeted grants signals a move away from COVID-19 wage subsidies and the government’s aim to “turn off the tap” ahead of the May 11 budget.