The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, says Australian tourism operators will benefit from the Rudd Government's second Budget, which has extended programs benefiting small operators and built upon the economic stimulus packages, which continue to support the industry.
The Export Market Development Program has been boosted by $50 million to $250 million.
This important program assists businesses to promote their products internationally and develop new export markets and opportunities. As a result of this week's Budget, there are around 1,800 small and medium enterprises which will benefit directly from this additional funding during this financial year.
The Budget has also provided a major boost to the Government's highly-successful Small Business Tax Break. Thousands of tourism operators are small businesses, which can now reap the benefits of claiming a tax deduction of 50 per cent - up from 30 per cent - on eligible assets.
The 2009 Budget will also support jobs and small businesses within the tourism industry through its historic $22 billion investment in nation-building infrastructure.
This historic investment will expand the public transport systems throughout our major cities - helping our major tourism gateways show themselves of to visitors - and will also develop our major highways and rail routes. In addition, the Budget includes:
- $74.9m over five years to restore historic, indigenous, natural heritage assets
- $33m funding for National Parks, including support for the National Landscapes Program jointly administered by Tourism Australia and Parks Australia
- $62.3m support for arts and culture including $10m for indigenous art and culture centres, orchestra touring programs, and cultural events.
These commitments follow more than $100 million in recent Government infrastructure grants to Tourism-related projects.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Government appreciates the significance of the tourism industry's economic contribution and understands the importance of supporting the sector's 492,000 jobs.
"Importantly, the Government has maintained the $137 million in funding for Tourism Australia as it is crucial that we maintain our marketing presence within key markets and send the message that we are here for the long haul.
"This is a positive message to our customers and a very good outcome for local operators."