June 28, 2023
TOURISM HURT BY LABOR’S BAD DECISIONS
Shadow Minister for Tourism and Trade, Kevin Hogan says Australia’s tourism industry is suffering from Labor’s bad decisions, making it too expensive for visitors to come.
“First the Albanese Government cut overseas promotion by axing $35 million in funding from Tourism Australia. Now Labor is upping the cost of visas to prop up its ailing budget, making Australia the most expensive place in the world to travel to.
Kevin Hogan said Labor’s latest price hike, increasing the cost of a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa by $130 to $640 from July 1 would have severe impacts in regional areas including the NSW North Coast.
“The world’s most expensive Backpacker Tax will stop young people coming to Australia, meaning fewer agriculture and hospitality workers and fewer visitors supporting our tourism businesses.
“It’s been blow after blow for tourism businesses which bore the brunt of border closures during COVID and are still recovering.
“At a time when the industry needs intensive care, it seems like Anthony Albanese is intent on running around the hospital bed and pulling out all the life support plugs.
“All of this is on top of spiralling inflation coming from Canberra, interest rates increases and higher electricity costs. It’s hitting every business in the country, but having an even bigger impact on the tourism sector as households and businesses alike tighten purse strings and cut domestic travel.”
ENDS
