Minister hits back over PMC attack

Minister hits back over PMC attack
By admin


One fifth of all revenue raised by Australia's passenger movement charge (PMC) is given back to the travel industry through grants, according to tourism minister Gary Gray.

The comments come in the wake of criticism by International Air Transport Association (IATA) boss Tony Tyler who claimed the tax does "economic damage" to Australia and is a barrier for potential tourists.

"The charge of $55 also funds a range of border protection and transport security measures that help provide consumers with the confidence to fly," Gray, pictured right, said.

Tyler had suggested that the PMC was not only having a negative affect on air traffic out of Australia, but that its scrapping would potentially create 17,000 jobs.

However, Gray said that since the July 2012 lift in the PMC from $47 to $55, passenger numbers had grown by 5%.

"It needs to be considered in the context of an Australian tourism industry that is worth $107 billion. It is the eighth largest by visitor spend, with average international visitor spending almost $5000 in Australia," Gray said.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]