Released 14/07/2021 - Joint media release
The ACT Government will provide support of up to $75,000 for individual accommodation providers and $15,000 for small private tourism operators as the Territory faces ongoing travel restrictions and border closures due to Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreaks.
The tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit since the pandemic began and, while the local sector had been recovering, the recent developments in Sydney have had a significant financial impact – particularly for accommodation providers and small tourism operators.
A number of support measures will be made available to significantly impacted ACT tourism businesses:
Accommodation and Tourism Venue Operator support program – up to $75,000
Around 90 accommodation providers and up to 20 privately operated tourism venues will be able to apply for a full rebate on the water and sewerage fixed charge component of their Icon Water bills for the first two quarters of 2021-22, providing financial support of up to $75,000.
This will provide around $30,000 in financial support for an average sized accommodation provider. These businesses are the hardest hit by the Sydney outbreak and the Victorian border closure.
To be eligible for the support, tourism businesses must be able to demonstrate 30 per cent loss of revenue in July 2021 compared to April 2021.
Small Tourism Operator COVID Recovery Payment – up to $15,000
Small tourism operators and boutique accommodation providers likely to receive less than $15,000 under the Accommodation and Tourism Venue Operator support program, will be contacted to apply for the Small Tourism Operator COVID Recovery Payment.
This payment of up to $15,000 will assist with a range of business expenses. Eligibility will also require evidence of a 30 per cent loss of revenue in July 2021 compared to April 2021 and evidence of expenses incurred.
Guidelines for the Small Tourism Operator COVID Recovery Payment are available on the Business Hub website where businesses are be able to register their interest.
Hire car and charter bus registration fees
Vehicle registration fee waivers for hire cars and charter buses registered in the ACT, will be extended for another six months until 31 March 2022 to provide further relief to these tourism businesses.
The current registration waiver provides assistance to around 40 local operators.
Tourism industry funding programs brought forward
Two tourism industry funding programs will be brought forward to open once restrictions are eased so that tourism providers can be ready to welcome back visitors from Sydney and other parts of Australia.
The Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund will offer $500,000 in funding particularly encouraging collaboration between tourism operators and accommodation providers while the $750,000 COVID‑Safe Tourism Co-Investment Program will encourage the development of new experiences to attract overnight visitors to Canberra. Both programs will open for application once restrictions are eased with more information available soon.
For further information on these and other COVID-19 support measures, visit www.act.gov.au/business/business-support/covid-19-economic-support-for-business
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases