Tourism Australia’s funding unchanged

The decision to maintain Tourism Australia funding in the federal budget announced by Treasurer Wayne Swan in Canberra last night has been welcomed by peak industry body, the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

Tourism Australia’s funding is largely unchanged for 2009/10 when it will receive $A136.7m, down from $137.6m this financial year.

However, TTF executive director Olivia Wirth has called for an additional $80m over two years, to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the industry, for promotional campaigns.

‘It’s essential that Australia continues to be marketed overseas and that the efficacy of available funding is maximised through partnerships with industry,’ Wirth said.

Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson will name Tourism Australia’s new md shortly. Last November Geoff Buckley, who joined TA in 2004 and became its md in 2006, extended his contract until June 30 this year ‘to ensure continuity’ as a new destination campaign was rolled out around the world.

Tourism Victoria ceo Greg Hywood is widely tipped for the job and there is speculation that former Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon will be appointed to the TA board and will become deputy chairman.