Tourism Alliance Victoria - Representing the Victorian Tourism Industry

Tourism Alliance Victoria plays an important role in representing Victoria's regional tourism industry on specific issues that affect the way our members do business. Some examples include: impact of natural disasters on tourism, industry skills shortgages and public land licencing.

In response to these issues and in support of our membership, Tourism Alliance has prepared a number of dicussion papers which can be viewed by clicking on the links below.

Draft Regional Tourism Action Plan (RTAP)

As noted in the Draft Regional Tourism Action Plan (Draft RTAP), regional tourism in Victoria faces many challenges: a slowing economy which is limiting discretionary income; increases in fuel prices which has driven up air fares and petrol prices, therefore adversely impacting both international and domestic markets; skills shortages;  and natural crises such as drought and bushfires.

Tourism Alliance Victoria (TAV) welcomes the recognition by Tourism Victoria of the need for a strategy to address the problems facing regional tourism. However, there are deficiencies in the strategies proposed, as well as key issues which have not been addressed in the Draft RTAP. These are detailed in this report.

SECTION A will examine the four proposed strategies, outline areas requiring clarification or improvement, and make recommendations for each strategy.

SECTION B will raise issues not covered in the Draft RTAP and make recommendations for their consideration.

Click here to see a copy of Tourism Alliances response.

Public Land Tour Operator and Activity Provider Licence Reform Update

We are pleased to be informed that a final policy statement is expected to be launched in May with the support of the Department of Sustainability Environment, Parks Victoria and Tourism Victoria. The raft of reforms has been a long time coming but these improvements to the licensing system will benefit our members in a number of ways:

In particular, Tourism Alliance Victoria lobbied for longer licence terms and we are delighted to see that this will be implemented.  We believe that those businesses that opt for a longer licence term will benefit from greater business security, less administration, be more likely to invest in their business and be better placed to sell their product to the international market.      

As detailed in the Directions Paper, fees will be increasing to allow for 75% cost recovery with an aim to move towards 100% cost recovery over the next 3-5 years.  As per industry request, the fee increase will not occur until 2009-2010 to allow 18 months notice before fees are increased.  Although fees are being increased we can expect to see a number of other benefits such as removal of the variation fee from July 2008, removal of the first time application fee from July 2009 (very beneficial for new businesses starting out) and the ability to transfer licences subject to land manager approval.

Tourism Alliance Victoria has raised members concerns regarding retaining the use fee cap. The Project Control Board (DSE, PV & TV) response is that as those paying the use fee cap do not currently submit a trip return form there is no data to indicate that some operators are being disadvantaged by this system.  As of July 2008, those paying the use fee cap will be required to submit a trip return form and the fee structure will be reviewed again in the next 3-5 years.  The risks associated with removing the cap on use fees is that less use fees are paid, cost recovery declines and licence fees will be required to be increased to maintain cost recovery.  

Tourism Alliance Victoria and its members also supported improving compliance activities.  The policy statement has a number of measures to ensure that those businesses that should hold a licence do hold a licence (thus ensuring equity for current licence holders).  This of course will require the assistance of those "on the ground" and we look forward to working in cooperation with those rolling out the compliance activities over the next year.  

Tourism Alliance has played an active role in the licence reform process and has been working closely with DSE and Parks Victoria to better inform State Government of industry views on this important issue.

Download the position paper (PDF) here

Download the "Why is a 10 year licence preferred" fact sheet here

Download our full representation here

North South Pipeline

The Pipeline is a 74 kilometre pipeline which will link the Sugarloaf Reservoir north of Melbourne to the Goulburn River near Yea across the Great Dividing Range. This pipeline is a key part of the Food Bowl Modernisation Project and integral to the $4.9 billion ‘Next Stage of the Government’s Water Plan’ in upgrading Victoria’s irrigation system.

Tourism Alliance Victoria members have raised concerns over the pipeline in terms of impacts on tourism. We urge all potentially impacted members to provide feedback to inform our representation. The survey should take no more than five minutes to complete. Please return the completed survey by Wednesday 16th April 2008.   

Download our member feedback survey here

Tourism Industry Welcomes Bay Support Package

Tourism Alliance Victoria (TAV) is delighted with the State Government’s announcement this morning (13/11/2008) of a $9.2million package to support businesses and improve infrastructure around Port Phillip Bay.

* See the full media release here *

Channel Deepening Update

Tourism Alliance Victoria has continued in its advocacy for tourism businesses in light of the Port Phillip Bay Channel Deepening Project. The project was given Federal Government approval on 20th December 2007 and is set to begin on 1st February 2008.

Tourism Alliance Victoria met with the Director of Policy and Programs of Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development on 21st December 2007 to discuss business continuity support. Similar discussions continue with Tourism Victoria.

18/12/2007: In the past fortnight, Tourism Alliance Victoria has made progress in its representation in light of the proposed Channel Deepening Project. We have:

• Briefed our media communications strategist for development of a positive media communications strategy over the lifecycle of the project.

• Met with Port of Melbourne Corporation and secured a commitment to distribute up-to-date relevant information on the project through our communication channels. This includes information such as indicative dredging schedules in early 2008, subject to project approvals. We have also engaged in favourable discussions surrounding business continuity support programs which will be followed up this week.

• Secured meetings with the Director of Policy and Programs at Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, Mr Roger Arwas this week and State Minister for Small Business, Mr Joe Helper in January, to discuss multifaceted small business support.

• Corresponded with Federal Minister for the Environment, Mr Peter Garrett to ensure national awareness of the challenges facing Victorian tourism businesses on and around the Bay.

• Attended Port of Melbourne Corporation Shipping Movements Presentation which will be distributed once received electronically.

• Stepped up pressure for Government and Port of Melbourne Corporation representatives to experience affected tourism product first hand.

Port of Melbourne Corporation intend to hold a Community Liaison Group consultation in January.  Tourism Alliance Victoria will notify its membership as soon as details are released.

On the 14th December, the Project received approval by the State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mr Gavin Jennings. We now await the outcome of the Commonwealth approvals process. Should approval be granted, the project is scheduled to start on 1st February 2008.

We continue to advocate for the four key priorities we have maintained for the past two years:

1. Financial compensation for affected tourism businesses
2. Business support counselling and advisory services to assist business continuity
3. Independent monitoring and reporting of the environmental effects of the project
4. Marketing support to re-invigorate tourism to the region post-project

We persist in lobbying for financial compensation, as well as providing members with information and business continuity support. Independent monitoring and reporting was achieved in the Minister for Planning’s Assessment of Project in November 2007.  Regular updates will be provided.

Download our full representation here

River Red Gums Forest Investigation Update

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s (VEAC’s) River Red Gum Forests Investigation began in April 2005. The Investigation includes public land along the Murray River from Lake Hume to the South Australian border and includes the lower reaches of the Avoca, Loddon, Campaspe, Goulburn, King, Ovens and Kiewa Rivers.

VEAC released its River Red Gum Forests Investigation Draft Proposals Paper for public comment in July 2007. During the following consultation period, VEAC held nine community forums, attended public meetings and had face-to-face meetings with many individuals and organisations.

Submissions to the River Red Gum Forests Investigation closed on 8 October 2007. Tourism Alliance Victoria has been involved in the process from its inception. Around 6800 submissions were received with tourism feedback including comments such as:

• reservations regarding access for recreation activities such as camping, horse-riding, fishing and four-wheel driving • the need for VEAC to provide more detail on proposed camping management changes, by describing the changes and specific locations • highlighting of the contributions of community organizations in management of public land • both support for and rejection of the proposed campfire changes and related fallen timber targets, to varying degrees, with many people supporting a summer campfire ban in line with current NSW regulations • concern over a reduction in areas available for recreational hunting • concern over management of public land, particularly for wildfire prevention and suppression, and adequate on-ground resourcing

Note that the recommendations regarding camping, horse-riding, fishing and four-wheel driving have been misinterpreted by many people, and the correct recommendations are explained on VEAC’s website.

The Final Report will be presented to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change by May 2008. The Minister will release the Final Report within 7 days and it will also be published on the VEAC website (www.veac.vic.gov.au).

The State Government will then consider VEAC’s recommendations and decide on its response. The Government has six months to provide a response to the recommendations in the Final Report.

Download the 2007 submission letter (PDF) here

Download the 2006 position paper (PDF) here

Download the VNPA Factsheets (PDF) here

Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy

Tourism Alliance Victoria has made a submission to the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy (NRSWS), a Victorian Government initiative to secure Victoria’s water future at a regional level. The Discussion Paper outlines water resources, river health and key challenges facing the Region as well as management options.

Our submission is based upon the need for tourism to be considered in the Strategy and we have subsequently secured a position on the NRSWS Working Group. Tourism Alliance has asserted tourism priorities at two Working Group meetings and has formally requested to the Chairperson the need for a more inclusive approach to water issues.

Download the DSE Discussion Paper here

Download theTAV Submission here

“Skills for Yield”

Workforce Challenges and Victoria’s Tourism Industry

Tourism Alliance Victoria has been invited to respond to a House of Representatives Committee Inquiry into "Workforce Challenges in the Australian Tourism Sector".

In order to respond, Tourism Alliance conducted a survey of its members to inform its discussion on this issue.

The results of the survey are detailed in section five of this report. click here to download a copy of the submission.

National Tourism Alliance

At a meeting of members of the National Tourism Alliance (NTA) in December, key tourism industry leaders affirmed their top hit list of key national issues and concerns.  With the election of the new Rudd Labor Government, it was perfect timing to review the priorities of Australia’s peak national tourism body, to ensure that NTA stays focused on those issues collectively identified as being the most important.

Not surprisingly, number one on the list was labour and skill shortages.  Due to the proactive strategies of key NTA members such as Restaurant & Catering Australia, and the AHA, this issue is already being strongly addressed.  However, the barriers and concerns are many and complex, including the changing desires of the younger generation, low unemployment, filling regional positions and wage and conditions structures.  NTA’s role will primarily be to highlight the significant negative impact this issue is having on providing consistently good service to tourists, and to support the work being done by its members.

The other key issues identified by members include climate change and sustainable tourism, funding for the Tourism CRC, marketing funds for Tourism Australia, and the image of the tourism industry in the public, media and government.  The image issue needs to make the industry more appealing and relevant to everyday Australians, rather than it just being seen as a leisure industry for the well off. 

The meeting also served as a useful introduction for new NTA CEO, Jenny Lambert.  Jenny has worked for 21 years in tourism & hospitality association roles, including stints as CEO for Restaurant & Catering Australia, and Meetings & Events Australia.

Already Jenny has taken the priority issues to Canberra, and has met with the office of the Minister for Tourism and also the new Deputy Head of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism who will be responsible for Tourism.

Further meetings will take place in January with key Ministers and bureaucrats, and will be in support of the tourism industry’s pre-budget submission. 

Victoria's Tourism and Events Industry - Building a 10-year Government Strategy

Tourism Alliance welcomed the opportunity to respond to Victoria’s Tourism and Events Industry- Building a 10 Year Government Strategy, discussion paper, July 2005. As an industry tourism is significant from an economic, cultural and community perspective.  All the evidence in the discussion paper reinforces tourism’s value as a growing labour intensive industry with the current and future capacity to generate significant export earnings through international tourism. In addition tourism is becoming an increasingly important element in supporting regional and rural communities as they look to the future.

Download a copy of Tourism Alliance Victoria's response to the discussion paper

Tourism Victoria's Regional Tourism Development Plans

Excerpt from Country Victoria Tourism Council (Tourism Alliance) and Victorian Tourism Operators Association (VTOA) welcome the opportunity to respond to the Draft Regional Tourism Development Plans (RTDP). The organisations strongly support the initiative and recognise the importance of integrated tourism planning which provides a guide for future decision making. In particular, Tourism Alliance and VTOA believe regional tourism planning is required to bring socio-economic benefits of tourism to a community while maintaining the sustainability of the tourism sector.

This document provides advocacy for the members of Tourism Alliance and VTOA. To emphasize its validity, written responses to the document were requested and 38 members responded representing a cross section of the membership: tourism businesses, regional tourism associations, local tourism associations and local government. The written responses corroborated the concerns presented within the document particularly those pertaining to recognition of local effort, deliniation of roles and allocation of resources.

Download Tourism Alliance and VTOA's response to Tourism Victoria's Regional Tourism Development Plans

Drought

Excerpt from Tourism Alliance's Drought Discussion Paper
The issues raised seek to reinforce the message that when there is a major economic impact such as drought across the State tourism, both within and beyond those areas, is likely to be affected to varying degrees.When considering tourism and the affect of drought it is critical that there is an understanding of the elements within the tourism system. Within this system there are a broad range of businesses directly and indirectly involved. From the consumer perspective tourism is reliant on disposable income being allocated to travel or holiday activities.Experiences to date highlight the relationship between drought and visitation levels to many regional areas. Where drought results in decreased visitation it can be suggested that the decision making by the consumer is influenced by both perceived and real environmental changes caused by drought.

Download Tourism Alliance's 2003 Drought & Regional Tourism Issues Paper.

Bushfires

Excerpt from Tourism Alliance Bushfire Discussion Paper
Evidence from communications with Tourism Alliance members and a limited number of non-members in north eastern and eastern Victoria, indicates the overall impact of the 2003 summer bushfires on the tourism industry is significant. Given the magnitude of their tourism industry, the Shires of Alpine, Indigo and East Gippsland have experienced the greatest impacts.

Obviously, businesses within all reported areas, with a high dependence on tourism are suffering the greatest loss although local economies in general are experiencing notable downturns. Interestingly, areas not directly affected by fires such as Baw Baw Shire are experiencing considerable reductions in trade due to perceptions of danger and the closure or partial closure of natural areas in onward journeys.

Estimates of real costs vary but the figure of $21 million in losses so far, provided by Alpine Regional Tourism alone provides an indication of the gravity of the impact. In isolation, the affects from the bushfires have been great, coupled with the impacts of drought the situation is exacerbated.

Regional areas are concerned about the ability of the tourism industry to recover from the fires and under performance is expected for several months with Easter not likely to provide any relief.

Download Tourism Alliance's 2003 Victorian Bushfires Discussion Paper

Federal Government 10 Year Plan for Tourism

Excerpt from Tourism Alliance Response
Revised domestic tourism forecasts demonstrate minimal growth in domestic tourism through to 2012. (Tourism Forecasting Council). However, Domestic Tourism constitutes 75% of Australia’s tourism business and 92% of regional Victoria’s tourism business. ABS figures show continuing strong growth in household consumption, however tourism’s share of the growth is declining. Now more than ever a consolidated effort is required across all levels of government and the tourism industry to stimulate growth in domestic tourism. Failing to respond will result in the gap between the consumption of travel and the consumption of household goods continuing to grow, as tourism marketing budgets compete with marketing budgets of the likes of LG Electronics ($23 million-advertising budget 1) and Harvey Norman’s ($30 million- media budget 2).

Download Tourism Alliance's response to the 10 Year Plan for Tourism Green Paper
Download Tourism Alliance's response to the 10 Year Plan for Tourism Discussion Paper

Tourism Industry push for clarification of GST and Security Deposits

Tourism Alliance Victoria in partnership with members of the National Tourism Alliance have supported a proposal to the Australian Taxation Office for the clarification of the treatment of security deposits in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

For details on the content of the proposal prepared by NTAs Taxes and Charges Working Group led by Restaurant & Catering Australia click here.