Applications open today for a fresh round of Australian Government funding for tourism projects that will nurture quality tourism experiences and support Australia’s marketing campaigns.
This delivers on the Government’s election commitment to provide $40 million over four years to the TQUAL Grants program.
Applications for funding under the TQUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects are for Australian Government support of up to $100,000 for smaller-scale projects to stimulate private sector investment in the community.
“With Government funding matched dollar for dollar with private sector investment, the TQUAL Grants program will inject over $80 million into the tourism sector over the next four years,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Just like hotel rooms, Australia’s tourism experiences need constant refreshing to ensure they offer visitors a high quality experience and that visitors feel compelled to return.
“The grants will help lift Australia’s competitiveness as a tourism destination and stimulate investment in innovative products and services.”
Tourism is vital to the Australian economy, contributing $33 billion a year to Gross Domestic Product and employing one-in-12 working Australians.
Tourism is the nation’s largest services export and contributes eight per cent of Australia’s total export earnings.
The TQUAL Grants funding is separate and in addition to the $10 million joint Australian and Queensland Government tourism support package to assist Queensland tourism operators following the floods. The grants are open for applications from organizations across Australia. The grants are competitive and are independently assessed on merit.
Minister Assisting on Tourism, Nick Sherry, said many small businesses would benefit from TQUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects.
“The small business sector is the backbone of the Australian tourism industry. These grants encourage small businesses to innovate and make holidays in Australia an even more attractive prospect for overseas travellers and Australians alike,” Minister Sherry said.
Applications for Tourism Quality Projects open today and will close on 15 April 2011 with announcements of successful projects by mid 2011.
For further information on TQUAL Grants visit www.ret.gov.au/tourism.
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