Did the federal government get it's timing wrong when it announced relief for the travel industry?
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While they're appreciative of government efforts to boost the travel industry, one New England travel agent says they have "missed the mark".
Meanwhile there have been other concerns raised about the program.
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MP Barnaby Joyce said travel agents in the New England would benefit from sharing in additional funding support of $130 million from Round 2 of the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program opening later this month.
Eligible travel agents and tour operators who have received a payment under Round One may be entitled to a second payment between $7500 and $100,000.
Craig Ritchie from New England Travel in Armidale said they have not yet been given any details about the new grant other than the total value.
"We missed out on most of the first one due to a problem with how turnover was recorded by the tax office," Mr Ritchie said.
"Our international sales were not taken into account, and it seems that nobody can fix it. Hopefully the second round might sort things out."
Manager Marnie Wade, from Inverell's Windsong Travel, said she was grateful for any money the government put into the industry, but was worried about their other measures aiming to stimulate tourism.
Speaking with enthusiasm for where things were going locally, Ms Wade's excitement was palpable to get back out - with a tour of the Kimberleys fast approaching.
"It's been really nice to see familiar faces come back in, and it is definitely picking up," Ms Wade enthused.
"But I think [the governments] missed the mark with everything they've offered to us - they've released the half price flight sale, and don't get me wrong I'm grateful for any money that goes in, but they launched that while everyone was off for Easter - that's pretty insulting to our industry," she said.
She did say it was "fantastic" to see hotels selling out in locations where subsides have been offered, but it added another layer of stress for agents.
For example, when organising a trip in a town used to having coaches for large international groups, now trying to supply hire cars to 20 individual or couple travellers.
"I have been meeting with local travel agents in the New England and advocating for more support so I welcome this extra funding through the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program," Mr Joyce said this week.
"We can all support our local travel agents in New England by using their services when booking a holiday this year."
To be eligible the business for the government funding the businesses must have been operating a travel agent, inbound tour operator or tour wholesaler business prior to the announcement of the closure of international borders, and are continuing to operate that business.
They also have to have had a turnover of between $50,000 and $20 million for the 2019 calendar year and received the JobKeeper extension, which ended at the end of last month.
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