Applications for the Strategic Tourism Investment Grants opened today to give tourism operators the opportunity to revolutionise their products with project funding of up to $1 million to be matched dollar for dollar with private sector investment. The Strategic Tourism Investment Grants is part of a $40 million investment over 4 years in the tourism industry under the TQUAL Grants program. They will support three key national priorities – Indigenous tourism, economic development and tourism employment. These grants are a new feature of the TQUAL program and will build on the previous success of the Tourism Quality Projects, which provide funding of up to $100,000. This is the first time Australian tourism operators will be able to apply for large-scale funding to take successful projects to an entirely new level.
Tourism employs directly and indirectly close to one million Australians and is a major part of our economy. But tourism is not just about marketing, it is also about offering the best and most competitive products and experiences – and that requires substantial investment to make it happen. By investing in quality products and services through TQUAL Grants, it is hoped the supply side of the industry will be enhanced and tourism operators will have the best chance possible to carve out a greater share of what is a challenging global market.
The first step in the Strategic Tourism Investment Grants program is a call for project suggestions from the tourism industry, all levels of government, community groups and individuals. The Australian Government will then assess and select successful projects, before putting out a further call for grant applications to deliver the successful projects. This competitive process is planned to ensure the best projects receive funding and value for money in return for the substantial government support.
The program will be open continuously throughout the funding period – meaning applicants aren’t constrained by arbitrary time frames or funding rounds.
TQUAL Grants supports the National Tourism Accreditation Framework and other measures within the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy. These measures are designed to heighten quality throughout our largest services export industry.
More information on TQUAL Grants including Tourism Quality Projects and Strategic Tourism Investment Grants is available by contacting grants@pattens.com or calling 1800 PATTENS.
