Tourism Access Group maps out long-term aviation strategy

The Tourism Access Working Group convened in Canberra for the first time yesterday to tackle a number of aviation and transport issues affecting the tourism industry.

The meeting, which also included representatives from Commonwealth and state and territory governments, was formed as part of the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy (NLTS).

Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP emphasised the importance of future planning and infrastructure development to prepare for the significant jump in passenger movements through Australia?s airports, which are forecast to double to 228 million in 2025-26.

Much of this growth is expected to come from international travel, however domestic movements also make up more than three quarters of the numbers.

A report commissioned by ?Cruise Down Under? states that cruise ship passengers spent $227.7 million in the Australian economy in 2008-09 which was a 43.5 per cent increase on the previous year.

Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson said, ?The growth in travel presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Australia?s tourism industry,? Minister Ferguson said.

?The Tourism Access group will work through the broader findings of the NLTS to deliver practical actions to improve the traveller experience, disperse travellers regionally and increase transport access to Australia?s many attractions.

?The agreement reached today on our key priorities moving forward is a step in the right direction.?

During the meeting, the group agreed to focus on four priority projects: improving tourism export potential through comprehensive mapping of tourism access priorities; improved cruise data- establishment of consistent data collection across jurisdictions; new tourism supply chain research- impacts of industry and government charges on consumer purchasing and examining ways to enhance dispersal and attract air services to regional areas through a regional airport/tourism project.

Minister Ferguson also released Infrastructure for the Provision of Jet fuel at Sydney Airport for the period to 2029 at yesterday?s meeting.
 
 ?This report addresses critical jet fuel supply issues. For Australian tourism to be effective, infrastructure needs to be reliable in the long-term and in especially during peak demand periods,? Minister Ferguson said.

?The smooth operation of our airports, and the reliability of fuel supplies and related services is absolutely vital to our tourism industry - shut down transport routes and you shut down tourism.?