The Australian tourism sector has welcomed a new Federal Budget commitment extending funding for the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF), with industry leaders saying the move will strengthen sustainability, accessibility and quality standards across the country.
The Federal Government has announced a $2 million, two-year funding extension for the program, which supports small and regional tourism businesses to develop and market sustainable tourism products and experiences.
Australian Tourism Industry Council CEO Erin McLeod said the funding would support the continued rollout of national tourism quality programs, with more than 7,000 businesses already participating across Australia.
The Quality Tourism Framework includes Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, Accessible Tourism and Tourism Emissions Reduction programs, designed to help operators improve environmental performance, accessibility and visitor information standards.
Ms McLeod said the funding extension would allow at least another 1,000 tourism businesses to work toward national standards in sustainability, accessibility and emissions reduction.
“The funding extension will support at least an additional 1,000 tourism businesses to reach national standards in sustainability, accessibility and emissions reduction, and provide e-learning courses to tourism businesses throughout metro and regional Australia,” she said.
The Australian Government has previously invested $8 million into the Quality Tourism Framework through Austrade over the past four years.
Ms McLeod said Sustainable Tourism Accreditation remains the tourism industry’s largest and longest-running sustainability program, recognising businesses demonstrating best practice across environmental, cultural, social and commercial operations.
“We encourage tourism businesses across the country to participate in the Sustainable Tourism Accreditation, Accessible Tourism and Tourism Emissions Reduction programs to help strengthen Australia’s reputation as a high-quality, sustainable and welcoming destination for all visitors,” she said.
