25 May 2021
Tourism Minister Dan Tehan has provided an update on just how much moolah has been paid out to travel agents as part of the federal government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.
The federal government has committed $258 million in direct support to agents through the program and, according to the latest data, $118.1 million has been paid so far.
A total of $98.6 million in grant funding has been paid under round one, with 2,964 agents having received payments and another 172 claims still being processed, according to a media release issued by Minister Tehan on Monday.
Under round two, $19.5 million in grant funding has been paid to 945 agents.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Morrison Government will provide an additional $130 million to support travel agents.
Our Government has now committed $258 million to support travel agents through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, this is on top of the 800,000 discounted airfares provided via the $1.2 billion aviation and tourism support package as well as access to JobSeeker.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said applications for Round 2 of the program were now open to provide further support for eligible travel agents, inbound tour operators and tour wholesalers.
“Our Government is finalising payments under Round One of the program valued at $128 million, which has supported around 3000 travel agents who continue to service their customers, including by providing refunds and credits for Australians whose travel has been impacted by state border lockdowns and the closure of international borders,” Mr Tehan said.