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Support eyed for struggling tourism sector

Rebecca GredleyAAP
Government support could be offered to Australia's tourism industry as COVID-19 continues to bite.
Camera IconGovernment support could be offered to Australia's tourism industry as COVID-19 continues to bite.

Tourism companies struggling without international visitors could be in line for government support, with Australia's border expected to remain closed for most of the year.

Australia's new Tourism Minister Dan Tehan says he's been speaking with the sector and poring over economic data showing how much they're struggling.

"I'll continue to have those discussions, engage with the sector and look to see whether there is specific or targeted support that could be provided or is needed," he told reporters.

Mr Tehan said the domestic tourism sector was recovering, with Australians travelling locally.

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An issue being looked at is how to ensure support is targeted to business specifically struggling due to no international travellers.

"It's not easy, it's something that is going to require further work and further analysis," he said.

The minister remains hopeful New Zealand will reciprocate travel rules afforded to Kiwis coming to Australia, who now don't have to undertake hotel quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.

Pacific nations and Singapore are also on the government's list of countries it hopes to create travel bubbles with, if their coronavirus cases remain low.

Australia's border is expected to remain closed for international tourism for a further nine to 12 months, after being shut to stop the spread of coronavirus last March.

Australians are able to leave the country if granted an exemption, while strict weekly limits on arrivals has resulted in tens of thousands of citizens unable to secure flights home.

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