Tourism to take a hit with PMC hike
The Turnbull Government decision to raise the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) by five dollars will hit the pockets of international visitors and travelling Australians and the industry as a whole.
In a move the industry has labelled disappointing, from July next year the PMC will raise to $60, something that will ultimately have a detrimental effect on Australia’s marketability as an international destination, according to ATEC Managing Director, Peter Shelley said.
Meanwhile, the Treasurer also announced a reduction in the fee for youth and backpacker visas, and other positive moves to support this market including additional marketing funding for Tourism Australia are positive policy moves the industry has been calling for.
Shelly added that ATEC has been a strong advocate against the Government’s plans to introduce an excessive 32.5 percent tax on backpackers from the first dollar earned.
“However, in reality this is merely a ‘half win’ for our industry, leaving us bewildered about the Government’s on-going commitment to our growing sector.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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