TOURISM FOCUS
We all enjoy planning a vacation. Where will we go; what will we do; how much will it cost! As Australians, we are spoilt for choice.
As an industry, tourism is vitally important to our economy, contributing $34 billion dollars a year and employing one in 12 working Australians.
Tourism is Australia’s largest services export and contributes 8% of total export earnings.
For all these reasons, the recently announced opening of applications for TQUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects is worthy of mention.
Local Federal MP Philip Ruddock said this week that these grants will provide funding of up to $100,000 on a matching dollar basis for smaller scale projects to stimulate private sector investment in the community.
‘The sort of projects which are eligible include, feasibility studies for projects to be initiated; projects which support the industry’s capacity to be innovative and productive; or implementation projects such as innovative tourism products, services or experiences .’
Mr Ruddock said he was sure many entrepreneurial individuals and groups would find this potential for funding to be of interest.
‘If you have a unique or specialist idea to provide domestic and international visitors to this country with an experience they will never forget, why not see if this funding source could be of help to you?’
Closing date for applications is 15th April 2011.