Help DownUnder

Reports from Australia indicate that the government there has launched a $928 million stimulus package for the country’s travel and tourism industry.

The package includes air ticket subsidies for travellers; low-cost loans for small tour companies and financial aid for Australia’s airlines in an effort to support the industry until foreign tourists return.

In 2018-2019, tourism generated A$60.8 billion in GDP and employed about 5% of the country’s workforce.

Qantas and Virgin Australia will receive A$200 million for the period of April to October to assist them to maintain mothballed planes, bring aircraft out of storage and provide wages for staff.