Comments on: Bailout! Australia considers subsidizing tourists’ airfare

By: Robsmith

Robsmith — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:13:53 +0000

It’s a pretty interesting idea but I have to admit as a potential tourist I would definitely be tempted to find a way to game the system. If I could get a kickback or partial refund from a hotel, then yes, I would “spend” $5000 AUD. I think that this could be easily abused by people in the know, people who would know the ins and outs of the system.

By: mbwardlow (Michael Wardlow)

mbwardlow (Michael Wardlow) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:52:38 +0000

Twitter Comment

AUS to bail out tourism industry by subsidizing airfare? [link to post]

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By: Travel News and Stories 3/17/2009

Travel News and Stories 3/17/2009 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:04:28 +0000

[...] Australia considers subsidizing tourists’ airfare via UpgradeTravelBetter visitors who take up the offer will be required to spend a specified amount of money, say $5000, within Australia, which would bolster local shops, hotels and restaurants. [...]

By: Mark Ashley

Mark Ashley — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:16:32 +0000

Dave, you’re right, and my post wasn’t clear on this. I’ve edited it to make clear that this is a proposal which the Australian government is considering, not (yet?) implementing. From the source article:

The Mayday Project is the brainchild of Independent Tourism Holdings’ innovation director Glenn Millen, who says the free flights, favourable exchange rate and novelty of the promotion would position it strongly to succeed.
[...]
Mr Millen, who came up with the idea earlier this year, said the money could be redirected from the Government’s pre-existing tourism marketing budget.
[...]
Independent Tourism Holdings director Steve Cusworth, who is steering the project, will meet with the federal, state and territory governments, as well as airlines and industry players, to discuss the proposal.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:16:22 +0000

When I first read of this a few days ago, I recall this being a proposal by a transport industry person; not the Australian Government.