Rebuilding international tourism on the G20 agenda
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan discussed the global tourism recovery with other G20 tourism ministers at a virtual forum last night.
"Tourism operators in every country have been impacted by COVID-19," Mr Tehan said.
"All G20 nations want to see the re-opening of international borders when it safe to do so and the resumption of international tourism.
"Australia continues to be active in strengthening international cooperation on COVID-safe travel initiatives to promote recovery in this crucial sector.
"Our Government's 800,000 discounted airfares to hard-hit tourist destinations is an example of best practice when it comes to delivering innovative support to the tourism sector.
"We are also developing a long-term, ten-year strategy: Reimagining the Visitor Experience. This Strategy will seek innovative ways to utilise technologies and develop new experiences.
"Australia thanks G20 President Italy for putting tourism on the agenda and for the
co-operation demonstrated by the G20 nations to work together to rebuild global tourism.
According to the World Tourism Organization, in 2020 international arrivals fell by nearly 75 percent globally, representing an estimated loss of A$1.7 trillion in global tourism export revenue.