WILLCOX WORRIED By Lack Of Tourism Funding

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is concerned about funding cuts that he believes could result in a lack of international tourists visiting the Whitsundays.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics have released a report that stated international tourist visitation is only 25 per cent of prepandemic 2019 levels.

Despite domestic tourists at a record-breaking high, Willcox believes that the government should be forward-thinking and allocating funding to attract global tourism now that the world’s borders are fully open.

He is frustrated that $35 million of funding has been cut from Tourism Australia this year and worried what the implications will be on our nation’s ability to reach global markets.

“The Prime Minister needs to start backing our tourism operators and regions like Dawson who are reliant on the international market,” he said.

“Tourism Australia is the agency responsible for marketing Australia as the destination of choice to international holiday makers.