Much needed support for the tourism industry is on the way.
COVID-19 has had profound and unprecedented impacts on Western Australian tourism, with thousands of small businesses around the State struggling with the impacts of travel restrictions.
“In only a few short months, WA tourism has gone from enjoying record international and interstate visitor numbers to a complete industry shutdown.” Mr Papalia states.
With some regional travel and other restrictions being eased from Monday May 18, as part of Phase 2 of the WA Roadmap, the State Government’s Tourism Recovery Program will enable tourism operators to prepare for a staged return to business in a new environment.
The $14.4 million initiative includes two funding programs – with an initial $10.4 million in one-off cash grants for up to 1,600 individual small businesses around the State.
The second, $4 million Tourism Business Survival Grants package will be available for tourism operators dealing with exceptionally difficult circumstances – with grants of $25,000-$100,000 available.
“This much needed relief package will help the sector get back on its feet and reorganise for the intrastate market, as the State Government and Tourism WA continue planning for the next stage of recovery.” Mr Papalia.
More information on the Tourism Recovery Fund and the online application form visit tourism.wa.gov.au.
More coronavirus coverage on SoPerth.com.au:
- No New Cases & Now Only 6 Active Cases In WA
- Phase 2 – WA Coronavirus Travel Restrictions: Where You Can & Can’t Go
- Restaurants and cafes will re-open in the first stage of lifting restrictions
- Perth Coronavirus Updates
Watch: Premier McGowan and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia are announcing a recovery package to assist small tourism businesses impacted by coronavirus.
