Representatives from across the Top End tourism sector met in Darwin today for a roundtable with federal shadow minister for tourism, David Littleproud. During the two-hour session, operators warned that many small businesses and family-run tourism operators would struggle to survive the coming months after a difficult dry season period.
The rising cost of fuel, reduced flights and the impact of extreme weather earlier in the year, which resulted in a delayed start to the tourism season, were among the challenges raised.
"We are seriously concerned that rising costs and a compressed tourism season will leave small and medium operators without the cash reserves to survive the coming Wet," Tourism Top End chair Chris Chaffe said. "These are local employers, family businesses and experiences that visitors come here for. If we lose them, rebuilding that capacity and confidence will take years."
Tourism Top End, which represents operators in the northern half of the NT, is urging the federal government to establish a dedicated fund to assist businesses without enough cash to survive the wet season. Mr Chaffe said the fund should combine tourism vouchers, targeted wage support, coordinated payroll tax relief and tax payment arrangements, and interest-free loans for viable operators facing a temporary cashflow shortfall. "Small grants should also be available where taking on more debt is simply not a workable solution," he said.
Mr Chaffe said while immediate financial support was needed, policy changes were also necessary to tackle ongoing hurdles including the rising cost of flights and better management of Kakadu National Park, which is operated by the Commonwealth in partnership with traditional owners. "We need action before businesses close their doors," he said. "Waiting until operators fail will cost more, in jobs, lost visitor spending and the long-term damage to our tourism industry."