The need for increased investment in tourism infrastructure has been highlighted in the 2019 Tourism Investment Monitor report, released this week by Tourism Research Australia.
The report calls for more spending on tourism infrastructure to support diverse, high-quality accommodation and attractions, along with increased investment in regional areas.
Labor understands the importance of infrastructure and its intrinsic link to Australia’s tourism sector, which is why we call on the Government to meet its tourism infrastructure commitments that were made in the lead up to the 2019 election, including funding to improve access to Kakadu.
Labor has been urging the Liberal-National Government to fast track key infrastructure commitments across the board, to help stimulate the economy and support jobs.
Tourism is a super-growth sector which can quickly turn investment into jobs and increased activity in local economies.
Iconic Australian destinations like Kakadu, which the Liberal Federal Government has under-invested in for years, should be booming as both domestic and international tourists increasingly look for nature-based experiences.
But federal funding cuts under the Coalition, have resulted in declining visitor numbers.
The success of Kakadu is integral to Northern Territory tourism sector and the thousands of jobs it sustains.
Labor urges Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham to ensure his Government fast-tracks infrastructure support to restore this world-renowned outback wilderness jewel to its former glory and provide certainty to the NT tourism sector.