The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) and ATIA has welcomed the reappointment of Senator the Hon Don Farrell as Minister for Trade and Tourism.
ATEC praised Minister Farrell’s ongoing support for the tourism export sector, acknowledging his role in strengthening Australia’s economic recovery, job creation, and regional development through international tourism.
Key achievements under his leadership include sustained investment in Tourism Australia’s destination marketing, the reinstatement of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme to support key inbound markets, and targeted support through the Reviving International Tourism Grant (RITG) Program.
ATEC said it looks forward to continuing its partnership with Minister Farrell to drive sustainable industry growth, improve international competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities for Australia’s visitor economy.
ATIA congratulates Senator Penny Wong on her reappointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Don Farrell as Minister for Trade and Tourism, Tony Burke as Minister for Home Affairs, and Catherine King as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Congratulations were also extended to Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training, and Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury.
The association also warmly welcomed new appointments Matt Thistlewaite as Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Nita Green as Assistant Minister for Tourism.
“These Ministers know our industry well, and we are ready to hit the ground running to ensure that the priorities of our members remain front and centre,” said ATIA CEO Dean Long.
In 2024 alone, ATIA members recorded $13.5 billion in retail bookings, $11.8 billion in corporate travel, and $5.6 billion in land operations. Approximately 70 per cent of all international air sales and over 90 per cent of corporate bookings are made through ATIA members, and 73 per cent of cruise travellers book through travel advisors.
Looking ahead, ATIA will continue to advocate for a fairer and more competitive aviation market, better workforce solutions, and regulation that supports accredited Australian travel businesses.
