The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today launched Tqual Grants - an $8.5 million competitive grants program to promote strategic investment in quality and innovation in the Australian tourism industry.
Tqual Grants will support initiatives that:
- develop innovative product, services or systems within the tourism industry;
- contribute directly to long-term economic development in the host region; and
- develop or support high quality visitor services and experiences.
Minister Ferguson said: "Tqual Grants will better position the Australian tourism industry in a highly competitive market - to help tourism operators and regions offer a better product and give both domestic and international travellers more reasons to choose Australia.
"This is a program which will encourage quality and innovation and provide support to businesses and regions which take the initiative to succeed in an increasingly competitive market."
The size of grants will reflect the strategic benefit of the application:
- Innovative tourism projects will be eligible for grants between $5,000 and $100,000
- Integrated tourism development projects are eligible for grants from $100,000 - $500,000
- National or sectoral tourism initiatives are eligible for grants from $25,000 to $500,000
Tourism is an important component of the Australian economy, representing 3.7 per cent of GDP and almost half a million jobs.
Minister Ferguson said: "If Australia's tourism industry is to continue to succeed, it must grow through innovation and offer travellers more than they expected.
"The Australian Government is pleased to be investing in a more innovative, more competitive tourism industry and Tqual Grants will help the industry grow by supporting initiatives that strengthen the capacity and capabilities of Australian tourism businesses."
For further information on Tqual Grants visit www.ret.gov.au/tourism.
Applications and Customer Guides are available at www.ausindustry.gov.au/tourism.