'Where to from here'.
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This subject was discussed at length between Grampians tourism leaders and Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister and Wannon member Dan Tehan.
Mr Tehan attended a luncheon where leaders from the region were invited to hear the government's plan on 'what's next' in terms of tourism recovery.
Mr Tehan advised the Grampians Tourism Leaders that as tourism minister, hearing about what's happening on the ground is very important and to hear from all the local operators about what they're hearing and seeing and getting their advice, that helps him do his job better.
Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said while it was really important to understand that while Australia's success at managing COVID-19 means we are well-placed to capitalise on the recovery of the visitor economy, the restrictions on international travel continue to have a big impact on our local economy.
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"We discussed many items including the introduction of a COVID passport and specific support for businesses who rely solely on international business," he said.
"We also discussed domestic travel and a big push for a new interstate travel campaign.
"Mr Tehan said he understood tourism has been one of the hardest-hit industries through the closure of international borders and lockdowns over the past year.
"A topic which was highlighted was people have the confidence to travel again and other issue facing the sector was a labour shortage and local businesses looking for employees."
The Federal Government announced its funding of 800,000 half-price airfares on March 11.
The message is to encourage Australians to take a holiday this year and support local hotels, restaurants, bars, caravan parks and tourism operators.
The new $1.2 billion tourism and aviation support package will also provide low-interest loans to small businesses, and additional support for airlines, airports, and ground-handling companies to maintain jobs and capacity.
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"Our Government has supported the tourism sector through JobKeeper as well as targeted support programs, like the $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund," Mr Tehan said after the announcement.
"As we enter the next stage of our recovery, with confidence improving as the vaccine rolls out, our new support package will give tourism operators, regional businesses and airlines a real boost by sending Australians to the regions on holiday.
"We can support our world-leading tourism and aviation sectors by booking a holiday this year through a travel agent, flying to a tourist destination, and enjoying a well-earned holiday.
"While international borders remain closed, we want Australians to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities to holiday here in Australia and in the process to support a local job and a local business.
"The discounted flights will be available through travel agents or directly from the airline's website from 1 April."
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