Qantas Expresses Support for Post-Bushfire Tourism Package

Qantas has expressed its support for the $10 million Victorian Bushfire Tourism Industry Support Package, announced jointly by the Australian and Victorian Governments.

Qantas Executive General Manager Government and Corporate Affairs David Epstein said the package – which will provide marketing and infrastructure support for regional tourism operators in bushfire-affected areas – was a welcome shot in the arm for the industry and a necessary initiative to help lure interstate and international visitors back to those areas and rebuild local economies reliant on tourism dollars.

“Tourism is worth more than a billion dollars each year to the Yarra Valley, the Dandenong Ranges, Gippsland and the High Country. The viability of the sector is absolutely critical to their local economies and thousands of local jobs,” Mr Epstein said. “There is no doubt the devastation has had a negative impact.”

“For Qantas’ part, we welcome this package and hope to see bookings and visitor numbers begin to reflect the increased investment in tourism marketing and infrastructure.”

Mr Epstein said Qantas would continue to work with the Australian and Victorian Governments, as well as the Red Cross, on rebuilding efforts.

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