Tourism is a major industry in Australia, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. But who exactly is responsible for overseeing and promoting this important sector? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key players involved in Australian tourism.
The Australian Government
At a federal level, tourism falls under the purview of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. The department is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that support the growth of Australia’s tourism industry. This includes everything from marketing campaigns to infrastructure development.
The government also provides funding for various tourism initiatives and works closely with state and territory governments to coordinate national efforts.
Tourism Australia
Tourism Australia is the government agency responsible for promoting Australia as a tourist destination to both domestic and international markets. The agency works closely with businesses in the tourism sector to develop marketing campaigns that showcase the best of what Australia has to offer.
Some of Tourism Australia’s key initiatives include:
- The ‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’ campaign, which promotes unique Australian experiences such as wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and food and wine tours.
- The Aussie Specialist Program, which trains travel agents around the world on selling Australian travel packages.
- Collaborations with airlines and other travel companies to develop package deals that make it easier for tourists to visit Australia.
State and Territory Tourism Boards
Each state and territory in Australia has its own tourism board that is responsible for promoting local attractions and experiences. These boards work closely with local businesses to develop marketing campaigns that showcase their unique offerings.
Some examples of state/territory tourism boards include:
- Tourism Victoria
- Tourism New South Wales
- Tourism Queensland
- Tourism Western Australia
- Tourism Northern Territory
Industry Associations
In addition to government bodies, there are also several industry associations that play a key role in promoting and supporting the tourism sector. These include:
- Tourism Accommodation Australia, which represents hotels and other accommodation providers.
- Restaurant and Catering Australia, which represents restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses.
- The Tourism Export Council of Australia, which represents businesses that provide services to international visitors.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many different organizations involved in promoting and supporting tourism in Australia. From the federal government to state/territory tourism boards to industry associations, each plays a unique role in ensuring that tourists have a positive experience when visiting Australia. By working together, these organizations can continue to grow this important sector and showcase all that Australia has to offer.