Tourism industry attacks Budget changes

The tourism industry is furious about changes announced in the Federal Budget which will see working holidaymakers and backpackers losing their tax-free threshold, putting an additional $540 million into government coffers over four years.

The working holiday visa application fee will also increase $20 to $440, providing the government another $5 million.

Lobby group the Tourism and Transport Forum has attacked the tax slug on backpackers, saying it’s a backward step that would damage Australia’s reputation.

Tourism Accommodation Australia director Carol Giuseppi says it will hurt regional and remote hoteliers.

On the other hand, the tourism industry can’t complain too much. Not when the budget provided an increase in funding for Tourism Australia.

Source : Business First Magazine  14th May 2015