government $128m CASH GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN 

Updated 16 December 2020

The Federal Government has recognised the travel sector and its critical importance to the Australian economy and public by announcing a financial support package of $128 million in cash grants.

Applications for the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program for eligible travel agents and tour arranging service businesses are now open.

Under the scheme, eligible parties will receive a one-off cash grant. Grants will be scaled, starting with a minimum payment of $1,500 for a business with a turnover of $50,000 up to a maximum payment of $100,000 for a business with a turnover of $20 million.

Eligible businesses have until midnight 13 March 2021 to claim.

To understand the eligibility criteria and how the cash grant will be allocated please read the FAQs by clicking here.

We strongly recommend that you also read the Grant Program Guidelines below before applying.

Download Grant Guidelines >

To learn more and apply click here.

Businesses need to make an online application using the Services Australia Business Hub and if you need further guidance around the application process please Services Australia by calling 1800 560 774.

Additional information is also available at austrade.gov.au.

Read AFTA's media release here.

Facts about travel agents and the impact of COVID-19.

Travel agents are a central part of the travel and tourism supply chain.

Travel agents help to preserve the travel and tourism ecosystem by ensuring the delicate balance between inbound and outbound passenger movements is maintained. Without the efforts of travel agents to support international travel, Australia’s inbound tourism numbers will be significantly at risk.

AFTA represents 4,000 travel businesses a workforce of 40,000 Australians. 71% of AFTA's membership base are SMEs.

The Facts:

• Australian travel agencies have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 70% of international travel in Australia is booked through travel agents keeping money in Australia and generating taxes to benefit the Australian economy
• Prior to COVID, the industry has experienced year on year growth of 11% and maintained growth of 7.25% over the past five years
• In 2018-19, Australians spent over $46 Billion on international travel, representing the largest import sector of the Australian economy
• 71% of the sector are women
• These are predominantly independently owned small businesses
• Travel agents have successfully repatriated $6 Billion in refunds and credits from overseas airlines, hotels and tour operators for Australian consumers – there is still $4 Billion outstanding. They have been doing this time consuming and frustrating work for free while having to continue to fund operating costs including GDS fees and insurances to allow this to happen.

COVID IMPACT FLYER

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