Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) welcomed (09-May-2018) investment in 'big-ticket' national transport infrastructure projects in the Australian Federal Budget for FY2018/19, but said the government "missed a golden opportunity to reap the benefits from substantially increasing its funding for Tourism Australia". According to TTF:
- The budget will provide "some relief" to the tourism sector with AUD140 million (USD104.4 million) to secure Australia's position as one of the world's leading film production destinations, AUD45 million (USD35 million) in regional tourism grants and a "big commitment to deliver badly needed infrastructure projects right across the country";
- The budget includes AUD5.1 million (USD3.8 million) for Tourism Australia over the next four years, which is welcome following cuts in the previous budget;
- The budget provides for AUD294 million (USD219.3 million) investment to strengthen aviation, air cargo and international mail security, including AUD50.1 million (USD37.5 million) to enhance security arrangements at 64 regional airports and AUD122 million (USD91 million) to enhance screening capability for inbound air cargo and international mail with new and upgraded equipment and advanced technology. [more - original PR]