ATEC warns South Australia tourism at risk
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has called upon South Australia’s government to reconsider its disbandment of the advisory board to its tourism marketing organisation, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) labelling the move as a “wrong decision”.
ATEC, a tourism body representing Australia’s $26 billion tourism export sector, said South Australia’s export tourism is now “at risk” following the government’s decision. Tourism in the state is said to create up to 10,000 new jobs.
“Tourism is one of Australia’s growing export successes and the Federal, State and Territory Governments across the country have recognised it as a strong contributor to our economic future,” ATEC managing director, Peter Shelley said.
“South Australia has now set out a State Tourism Plan which is beginning to build momentum, and the announcement to disband the Board is at complete odds with the Government’s own stated aims.
“The success of the South Australian tourism industry, and indeed its contribution to Australian export tourism, is under threat and we have written to Premier Weatherill urging him to rethink this decision.”
The SATC Board has been responsible for building tourism strategies to take the industry through to 2020.
“This Board has the expertise and industry connection which has built a strong tourism strategy for South Australia and one the Weatherill Government has been prepared to hang its hat on,” Shelley said.
“It seems incongruent to be taking responsibility away from this independent Board and delivering full oversight to the Tourism Minister at a time when the future success of Tourism in South Australia needs strong, broad ranging skills and guidance.
“This decision not only risks the future of tourism businesses across South Australia, but the expected 10,000 jobs that go with its growth.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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