2024-25 Federal Budget handed down | ATE countdown | Record event dished up
The countdown is on to the nation's largest travel and tourism industry event, the Federal Budget 2024-25 has been handed down, and Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel breaks attendance records.
South Australia will be well represented at the Australian tourism industry’s largest annual business-to-business event, when this year’s Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) gets underway in Melbourne from Sunday. Representing the state at this important international trade event will be 48 South Australian operators who will promote SA directly to global distribution partners.
I look forward to joining our SA contingent at this year’s ATE and helping highlight our state as a must-visit destination to key markets around the world.
The Federal Budget 2024-25 was handed down on Tuesday by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Some key implications for tourism include:
- $8.1 million over four years from 2024-25 (and $2.5 million per year ongoing) to administer the Approved Destination Status scheme to support Chinese tourists travelling to Australia in guided groups
- Funding for Tourism Australia has been maintained, at $170.4 million in 2024-25
- $8.6 million in 2024-25 to support Australian live music venues and festivals as part of the Revive Live program
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa work experience requirement is reduced from two years to one year for all applicants from 23 November 2024 onwards.
Eligible small businesses will receive $325 rebate on electricity bills over 2024-25, and the instant asset write-off of $20,000 for small businesses will be extended. There have been no funding changes for Export Market Development Grants for tourism businesses.
For full details, please visit budget.gov.au.
Record crowds enjoyed the best of South Australia’s food and beverage thanks to another highly successful Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel. The festival hub, Town Square in Victoria Square/Tartanyangga welcomed a record of more than 77,000 attendees over the 10 days. The sunny autumn weather provided the perfect backdrop as festivalgoers enjoyed the more than 150 events across the state.
With so many of our wineries, restaurants, producers, distillers, bars and more in the spotlight, Tasting Australia helps strengthen our state’s reputation as a must-visit culinary destination. I’d like to thank the more than 260 local operators involved in this year’s event for helping make it such a success and showcasing some of the best our state has to offer.
Emma Terry
Chief Executive Officer
South Australian Tourism Commission