The Nationals are calling for a planned meeting today between Federal and State Tourism Ministers to provide interest-free loans to regional tourism operators impacted by the fuel crisis.
Nationals leader, Matt Canavan, said Labor must include tourism operators in its Economic Resilience Program, after it spent $20 million telling Australians to drive less, leading to regional tourism operators bleeding bookings, jobs, and confidence.
It comes after a tourism industry roundtable conducted by The Nationals this week heard the fuel crisis is hitting regional and remote destinations hard, with operators reporting booking declines, cancellations, reduced visitor spend and a lack of confidence.
"Labor's mixed messages that you can still drive but do so less and without roof racks has created a disaster for regional tourism," Senator Canavan said.
"Labor now needs to come up with a plan to tell Australians where they can travel safely and where fuel is available.
"The government should not overlook the impact of this fuel crisis on tourism operators, many of whom are small businesses. Tourism deserves support too."
Shadow Minister for Tourism, David Littleproud, said regional communities were again being asked to absorb the impact of government failure.
"Regional tourism has already been hit by floods, fires, cyclones, insurance costs, workforce shortages and rising business costs," Mr Littleproud said.
"Now operators are facing cancellations, cashflow stress and the risk of permanent job losses because travellers have lost confidence.
"These are small businesses that support regional jobs, local pubs, caravan parks, accommodation providers, cafes, tour operators, and fuel stops.
"The government has found ways to support other industries through the Economic Resilience Program. Tourism must not be left out."
On Tuesday Senator Canavan and Mr Littleproud held a meeting with tourism operators from around Australia.
They heard how hard it has been for many tourism small businesses, and tourism operators asked Australian governments to consider a range of supporting policies including:
• inclusion of tourism operators in the Economic Resilience Program.
• a national fuel information "source of truth" showing fuel availability by region.
• a public confidence campaign encouraging safe and responsible travel.
• cashflow support including BAS and ATO deferrals, fee and levy waivers, and regulatory relief.
• targeted support for regional and remote operators dependent on diesel, generators, freight, or long-distance travel.
• workforce retention support to avoid permanent regional job losses.
• domestic aviation and route support for exposed regional destinations.
• a stronger Tourism Australia role in domestic coordination and international marketing; and
• a long-term national crisis response framework for regional tourism.
"Today is a test for Tourism Ministers," Senator Canavan said.
"If they walk away without a dedicated plan for regional tourism, they will be walking away from the operators, workers and communities being hit hardest by this fuel crisis."
