- Applications open on Monday for $16.8 million assistance funding
- Up to $10,000 available to support tourism operators and travel agents affected by Eastern States COVID-19 restrictions
- Up to 3,500 businesses to be eligible for joint Commonwealth-State program
Applications for the $16.8 million WA Tourism and Travel Agent Support Fund open on Monday, September 6.
Co-funded by the Commonwealth and State governments, the fund offers one-off payments between $2,000 and $10,000 to eligible WA businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions in the Eastern States.
Applications are open to accommodation providers, businesses which provide tourism attractions and experiences, tour operators, travel and tour transport services, and travel agents.
The following funding amounts will be available:
- $2,000 for all sole traders or businesses that do not employ staff (no minimum or maximum turnover);
- $2,000 for employing businesses with an annual turnover of more than $50,000 and up to $100,000;
- $5,000 for employing businesses with an annual turnover of more than $100,000 and up to $1 million; and
- $10,000 for employing businesses with an annual turnover of more than $1 million and up to $10 million.
In order to be eligible, businesses must be:
- registered with Tourism WA as a previous grant recipient or as part of the agency's marketing campaigns in 2020 or 2021; or
- a member of, or accredited through, a relevant tourism organisation (as of Sunday August 22); or
- a travel agent that has been offering domestic or New Zealand product to travellers.
Businesses must also have an active and valid ABN and be located in Western Australia.
Applicants need to show they have had a minimum 30 per cent decrease in annual turnover as a result of the lockdowns and restrictions in the Eastern States since June.
For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/WA-Tourism-Funding-Programs
Applications close on September 30, 2021.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"Sustained community spread of COVID-19 in the Eastern States, in particular New South Wales, is having impacts on some WA tourism businesses.
"This assistance program will provide some short term financial support for those businesses who through no fault of their own are being impacted by Eastern States lockdowns and restrictions.
"Western Australia's work to stamp out any community spread immediately and decisively has enabled our tourism and hospitality operators to enjoy incredibly strong business over the past 18 months.
"Western Australians have been able to enjoy holidays and visit bars, restaurants and pubs, largely restriction-free. This is what can be achieved by crushing and killing the virus at the outset."
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister David Templeman:
"We have an incredible range of quality tourism offerings and experiences in WA and this funding support will help our local operators manage some of the impacts of the Eastern States lockdowns.
"The McGowan Government has provided a wide range of support measures throughout the pandemic, with the incredibly successful Wander out Yonder campaign helping local businesses enjoy some of their busiest seasons ever over the past 18 months.
"This funding is designed to provide support to those businesses which have become innocent victims of continued community spread in the Eastern States, with targeted funding to provide valuable assistance."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5400
