The Australian touristic sector will be supported by governmental assistance. On Thursday, a A$1.2 billion support package was approved to revive the local travel. The country’s international routes remain closed because of the covid pandemic, TRT World reported.
Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison believes that the support package will take more tourists to the local hotels and cafes, taking tours and exploring the picturesque landscapes.
The basket of airline ticket subsidies for in-Australian travellers, cheap loans to small tour companies and financial aid for two local largest airlines is designed to keep the touristic sector ticking over until foreign tourists return.
“That means more jobs and investment for the tourism and aviation sectors as Australia heads towards winning our fight against Covid-19 and the restrictions that have hurt so many businesses,” PM clarified.
Australia always was a country that heavily relies on the touristic sector, which is employing about 5% of the country’s workforce. the pandemic ruined its international department almost totally. Over one year, the major growth driver for the Australian economy remains invalid.
The support package includes A$200 million for Qantas Airways Ltd and Virgin Australia from April to October to help to maintain mothballed aircraft, bringing planes out of storage and wages for international flying staff.
According to the support bill, the 50% subsidies on some 800,000 plane tickets will be focused on destinations that usually rely heavily on foreign tourists. For instance, Alice Springs and Kangaroo Island will be available from April 1 until the end of July, the Australian government said.
