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20 Feb, 2012

Millions of Dollars in Australian Tourism Grants To Generate “Innovative Ideas”

Source: Australian Ministry of Tourism

17 Feb 2012 – Tourism businesses across Australia can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to develop and refresh their products as the 2012 round of the T-QUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects program opens today.

T-QUAL Grants – is designed to spur private investment in tourism experiences, from eco-cabins and farm stays to wine trails and interactive displays. Grants can also be awarded to help build the online capacity of tourism providers and address labour and skills shortages.

Last year the Australian Government allocated nearly $8.5 million to 117 projects, part of the $40 million for T-QUAL Grants over four years. The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, is challenging the Australian tourism industry to come up with its most innovative ideas yet.

“The nature of tourism in Australia is changing; the largest increase in arrivals in December 2011 compared with the same period in 2010 was from emerging Asian countries such as China and India. T-QUAL Grants create opportunities for businesses to upgrade their products and keep abreast of the changing markets,” Minister Ferguson said.

“T-QUAL Grants have a track record of helping to lift the profile of attractions and regions making them more appealing for visitors. We see the benefits spreading beyond the business to the local economy and in regional areas tourism is often one of the biggest employers.

“The dollar-for-dollar principle means we are leveraging private investment – in effect doubling the value of each project. These grants are part of the Australian Government’s sharper vision for growth under the Tourism 2020 strategy, aimed at boosting the quality and competitiveness of the Australian tourism industry.

Unlike the larger Strategic Tourism Investment Grants worth up to $1 million each, T-QUAL Grants – Tourism Quality Projects is targeted at smaller locally based projects.

Applications close on 19 April 2012. More information is at http://www.ret.gov.au/tourism/business/tq/tgrants/Pages/default.aspx