Federal Member for Capricornia and Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Michelle Landry has reminded regional tourism businesses to take advantage of the jointly funded COVID-19 support package to assist Queensland’s tourism and hospitality businesses who continue to face economic hardship.
Ms Landry said applications for both the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Grant and the Major Tourism Experiences Hardship Grant opened on October 11th and close on November 22nd.
“The Coalition Government understands the substantial impact lockdowns and border closures have had on business, but especially on those in the tourism sector in Queensland.
“Our considerable investment will provide financial support to Queensland tourism businesses to help ensure the industry is ready to rebound as soon as our nation eases restrictions and as soon as our vaccination rates hit key milestones.
“Australia’s regional tourism businesses have done it extraordinarily tough throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and as Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism, I will continue to fight for them and to ensure they come out of the pandemic ready for all visitors.
“I encourage all eligible regional tourism businesses to apply,” Ms Landry said.
Iconic Tourism Grants
Grants of up to $4 million will be available to ensure that major tourism enterprises remain viable and are ready to scale up as visitation returns.
Eligibility criteria for the iconic tourism grants will include:
- Being key drivers of significant interstate and/or international tourism, as well as major employers.
- Nationally significant tourism operators and attractions, such as major theme parks and major reef tourism operators.
- Demonstrating a 50% reduction in turnover and visitation over the 3-month period from 1 July to 30 September 2021, compared to pre-COVID.
- Businesses to maintain their staff levels through the assistance period, to the end of 2021.
Second Round of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program
A second round of grants of $15,000, $25,000 and $50,000 will be available for small, medium and large employing businesses across the state that have experienced a reduction in turnover of at least 70 per cent for at least seven consecutive days between 1 July and 30 September.
