The Trade Minister is the responsible for Australia's tourism agenda

07 Oct 2013 2039 | World Travel News

SYDNEY - ATEC Managing Director, Felicia Mariani, said there had been some confusion around the previous split of industry responsibility between two Ministerial portfolios.

“ATEC is pleased the industry can now have a clear and centralised focal point when it comes to working with the Federal Government and we very much look forward to welcoming Minister Robb to the industry,” Ms Mariani said.

“As one of Australia’s most successful and enduring export industries, we are pleased to have tourism recognised as an important trade industry and we will work to ensure the industry maintains a high profile within Government.

“We welcome the Abbott Government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism industry through a whole of Government approach and feel this can only be successfully achieved through the stewardship of a clearly defined Minister.”

Ms Mariani said ATEC had written to Minister Robb requesting a position on his Ministerial Advisory Council on Trade and Investment.

“As the only national industry association who has been devoted to the development of Australia’s $28 billion export tourism industry for over 40 years, ATEC is the true voice of the export tourism industry providing a vital connection to those businesses engaged with the international market.”

“The tourism industry has for far too long been overlooked as a significant contributor to Australia’s export sector, and this new alignment with trade and investment finally acknowledges our place at this important table.”

Ms Mariani said ATEC would continue to advocate for important policy changes to improve the tourism landscape with the new government.

“ATEC is strongly committed to ensuring the tourism industry has the best opportunity to prosper and will continue to push for changes we’ve proposed to the Working Holiday Visa, better access to EMDG funding for our regional members and more sustainable pay rates for our operators.

“Tourism is the largest contributor to the country’s export performance in the services sector and the 6th largest overall within the export industries. ATEC looks forward to engaging with Minister Robb to ensure the necessary support to grow our vital industry into the future.”