The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, will tonight tell Qantas Australian Tourism Award recipients that maintaining quality during the present economic climate will improve the industry's resilience and sustainability.
Minister Ferguson said: "There is no doubt 2008 was a difficult year for the tourism industry and the global economic recession is affecting tourism numbers internationally.
"This is why the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards are so important; we must continue to recognise and reward excellence in tourism because quality in tourism product helps insulate these businesses against market fluctuations.
"Tonight's awards celebrate the success of a broad range of operators from across Australia who are exceeding expectations and reaping the reward in every sector of the industry.
"Tourism is an industry which must compete both globally for travellers and locally for the discretionary spending of consumers and the current economic climate presents significant challenges. But there continue to be opportunities such as a more favourable exchange rate, lower interest rates, the Government's two stimulus packages, and improvements in aviation capacity into Australia.
"And at a time of global financial upheaval, initiative and dedication are more important than ever, which is why the awards being presented tonight are so important.
"The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards help ensure Australia's tourism industry offers world-class products and experiences which will entice Australians to holiday at home and attract the rest of the world to visit our shores.
"A critical factor in the success of the industry is the quality of experience and service that it provides and I am therefore pleased to congratulate the winners and finalists of this year's Qantas Australian Tourism Awards."