Australian tourism support package backed by Qantas

Qantas has announced its backing for a tourism industry support initiative that is being launched in the state of Victoria, Australia.

The government announced a $10 million (£4.8 million) package to support marketing and infrastructure development in Victoria following the recent bushfires that hit the region.

David Epstein, Qantas' executive general manager for government and corporate affairs, described the scheme as a "necessary initiative" if international and interstate tourists are to be attracted back to south-east Australia.

"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," he added.

"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."

Qantas could play an important part in the recovery of the region as it offers flights to Melbourne, the state capital, from London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Auckland and other destinations.

Posted by Clare, 18 March 2009 13:38

News tags

• Los Angeles
• Auckland
• Hong Kong
• Melbourne
• London
• Qantas